# James Rodenkirch's Manager Readme **Director of Engineering at Openly** # **Greetings!** This document introduces you to my leadership philosophy, approach, and expectations. My goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of my management and leadership style. This README is a dynamic document that I will update frequently to reflect my evolving ideas and perspectives. # **What do I value the most?** In my opinion, a thriving and productive team environment is established on a solid foundation of core values such as honesty, transparency, hard work, and a good sense of humor. These values create a culture of openness, trust, mutual respect, and accountability that are essential for effective collaboration and problem-solving. However, having a set of core values is not enough; it is also crucial to develop empathy and understanding within the team. This involves taking the time to comprehend each other's perspectives, needs, and priorities, and actively seeking to support one another in achieving our shared objectives. When team members feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be invested in the team's overall success. Moreover, I believe that a genuinely healthy and productive team dynamic necessitates selflessness and a commitment to the growth and development of one's colleagues. This implies being willing to offer assistance, share knowledge and expertise, and provide constructive feedback in a courteous and supportive manner. When team members are committed to each other's progress and well-being, they are more likely to work together towards their shared objectives successfully. # **About me** I'm an **Analytical** person, always challenging others to prove their points and questioning what most people accept as the truth. I love delving deeper into how things work, breaking problems down into manageable parts, and studying the facts from different angles to make informed decisions. I've worked hard over the years to acquire knowledge and skills, and I pride myself on my ability to logically evaluate how different elements come together in any situation. I'm a **Relator** , and I thrive on forming close relationships with the people I already know. I love meeting new people, but the bonds I have with my existing circle give me strength and joy. I'm seen by some as a great mentor or tutor, and I take pride in that. People often seek me out for my opinions on various topics, and I love that I can provide guidance based on my extensive reading and knowledge. I find immense joy in helping others see things from new perspectives. I also deeply connect with people who share their dreams and aspirations with me. I am an **Intellectual**. I love to exercise my brain, stretching it in all directions. Whether it's solving problems or developing ideas, I always enjoy a good mental workout. I'm introspective, often taking time to reflect and ponder. I love diving deep into various ideas and concepts, and I prefer understanding over speed. I am a **Learner** , and I'm all about personal growth and improvement. I love the journey of going from knowing nothing to becoming competent. Even though being a Learner doesn't necessarily mean I want to be an expert in everything, the process of "getting there" is what really matters to me. Once I decide what I want to achieve, I like to map out the steps before jumping in. This careful planning helps me avoid wasting time or resources. People often see me taking notes and quizzing people because I like to pay close attention to what's going on around me. I collect a lot of information, ignore what's irrelevant, and focus on what's really important. The more I reflect on what I know, the more I see problems and eventually, solutions start to form in my mind. In the end, I choose the best plan from my list of options given the situation. I am **Responsible** , I take ownership of everything I commit to, whether it's big or small. Once I commit, I'm all in, emotionally tied to seeing it through to the end. I'm a person of my word, always striving to meet my commitments. I take pride in keeping my promises and hate letting people down. I am consistent and predictable, always trying to do right by others and behave ethically. I often choose to work independently, taking time to plan out each step of a project before I get started to make sure I'm doing it right. I aim for quality, not speed, and strive to do tasks correctly the first time. I enjoy being seen as serious and mature, and I stand out in a crowd for being exceptionally reasonable. # Regular Meetings and Communication I believe that regular 1:1 meetings are essential to our team's success. During these meetings, we'll discuss your objectives, challenges, and aspirations, and I encourage you to come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have. Some topics we may cover include: - Your career growth and the steps you need to take to reach your next role. - Objectives that are rewarding for you and valuable for the business. - Any personal, environmental, productivity, and technological issues that may be affecting your work. You don't need to wait for a 1:1 meeting to discuss something important and urgent. I'm always available to make time for you when needed! # Expectations **Open and Honest Communication** I value open and honest communication, and I believe that everyone has their preferred style of communication. Whether you prefer direct or tactful conversation, I encourage you to share your ideas, thoughts, and concerns with me whenever possible. There's no issue that's too small to be discussed, and I can only address issues that I'm aware of. **No Surprises** I believe that proactive and timely communication is key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page. If something isn't going well, it's essential to communicate it with the team early so that we can pivot as needed. **Suggest Solutions** When things aren't working, I encourage you to speak up and share your thoughts. When you do speak up, make sure to articulate the issue and suggest any possible solutions to fix the situation. **Take Ownership** I believe that trust is built by doing what you say you will do. Ensure that when you say something is complete, it truly is complete. Set a high standard for your work and hold yourself accountable to it.