# joel morrison's Manager Readme

**Engineering Manager at MYOB**

# Why read this?

To give you an insight into me, my motivations, how I work and what it is like to work with me. After that, if you're interested, let's grab a coffee and a chat (long black).

# My direction and passion

I'm passionate about technology, building and supporting engineering teams to solve complex business problems. This is founded in my belief of life long learning, and openness to experiment with different technology and practices.

I thrive when I can contribute towards building an open minded, quality focussed engineering culture of excellence through practice and technology that benefit and challenge them.

I'm passionate about guiding team members to grow their skills, career and engagement along the way. 

# What do I value in people

I value and respect when people show passion and resilience in the things they do, but also call out when they're struggling. 

I value honesty, transparency and a willingness to improve things- technical solutions, team culture- as part of what we do every day.

I'll take people on face value, and respect people being up front with me, irrespective if its good or challenging news. 

A no surprises approach will go a long way with me, and help me support you most effectively, but I also 

# Some of my expectations

I expect team members to want to be part of the team, to want to work on the projects they are part of, and show initiative looking for ways to improve what we do. 

Once you have committed to something, please don't forget about it - keep a list or whatever approach works for you- if you think you might.

Don't hesitate to speak up if there is an issue, mistake, or something we can improve. I will always listen and support you where needed. Being vulnerable and admitting when things don't go well is a quick way to form trust.

Lastly, what I really don't stand for is an individual approach over team, or "negative and destructive attitude in any of my teams".

# 1:1s

One on Ones are about you, and are a scheduled opportunity to check in and highlight how I can better support you. But i'd much prefer to catchup whenever needed, not wait for our 1-1's.  
  
While we may start with a recurring appointment, it's intended as a reminder to check in and only if it's valuable to you.  The most valuable aspect of a one on one, is the value it brings to you, and your career- whether day to day, or longer term.   
  
I'll tend to ask you at the start of the day:   
- is it valuable for us to catchup this time around  
- what venue and style works for you?  
eg: sometimes a long walk works best, sometimes a meeting room, and sometimes a casual cafe catchup.  
  
Want to grab some time with me? Please reach out- via slack, in person or grab any free time you see in my calendar. While I might not be able to reply immediately, I will get back to you and make time for you.

# Personality quirks

While I may sometimes appear focusses when working on something, I am always willing to make time for people who want my input.

Sometimes, I tend to ask a lot of people on my teams- to encourage them to push their own comfort zones - i'm equally open to feedback, and actively welcome it. 

I can become frustrated when people value binary points of view, over a bigger picture outcome, and are not open to discussing alternatives.

I'll tend to listen to all points of view in meetings first, and look for opportunities for team to speak up, but will speak up, to ensure team members feel safe to speak up at all times.  

Coffee is my go to to start the day, and I like to de-stress by running- you'll usually see me around "The Tan" once or twice a week- to mentally reset.