# Adam Gardner's Manager Readme

**Engineering Team Manager at Squarespace**

# Decoding Your Manager

Ever joined a new team or got a new team member feeling lost and confused? Been there, done that. To avoid that awkwardness, I created this Readme.

# **Why you should read this**

- **No more "WTF" moments:** Ditch the confusion and understand how I approach teamwork and communication.
- **Onboarding 101:** New to the team, I'm new to the team? Consider this your cheat sheet to my style, goals, and the tools we use, so you can hit the ground running.
- **Level up your skills:** We're all here to learn and grow. This Readme gives you insights into how I can support your development, whether it's mastering new processes or tackling that tricky project challenge.

# My role

I'm responsible for leading our team in delivering high-quality projects that meet business needs and client expectations. We use agile methodologies, and I prioritize clear communication and collaboration across all departments.

# What do I value most?

My time in the U.S. Army taught me the value of a solid plan executed with grit, but also the importance of staying nimble and rolling with the punches. Open communication, a growth mindset, and a "done and working is better than perfect" attitude are my mantras. I believe in teamwork, taking ownership, and laughing off the occasional stumble (because, hey, we all mess up!).

# My Expectations

Ask questions before diving in, don't shy away from challenging ideas, and proposing alternative solutions. We iterate with regular check-ins, so feedback is continuous and constructive.

Goals help drive us forward – individual, team, and company-wide. But the magic really happens when you take ownership of your ambitions, share them with the team, and then actively learn and grow from the experience.

# 1:1s

**Your time to shine:** Every week, we'll chat about your goals, roadblocks, and how I can support you. It's your chance to share ideas, get feedback, and ask anything – no topic is off the table.

# Personality quirks

I'm an early riser who has his routine, but I also value flexibility and creativity. I appreciate honest communication, even if it's about a mistake you made – we all make them!

An avid note taker, I write almost everything down from 1:1s to large meetings. A life long goal is to take notes faster than a hummingbird on Red Bull.

Recently gotten into Warhammer 40k, so if I talk about mini figures, painting, 3D printing, please do not hold it against me 😁

Love dad jokes. What does a baby computer call her father? Data.

# Where to focus on your first 90 days?

Your first weeks will be packed with onboarding sessions, introductions to the team and tools, and diving into small, manageable tasks. Ask questions, be curious, and don't be afraid to experiment.

# Remember

This is a living document, just like our codebase. So, expect updates as I evolve and learn new things. Feedback is always welcome, highly encouraged! So don't hold back, let's collaborate and keep improving.