# Kim LaRocca's Manager Readme

**Senior Engineering Manager at NY Public Radio**

# What Is This About?

The goal of this document is to help you (and myself)&nbsp;better understand what motivates me, what I&nbsp;care about, and how I like to operate. This readme is a work in progress and will evolve over time.&nbsp;Your feedback is welcome!

# Values

> _"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others."   
> – African Proverb_

I respect those who&nbsp;take pride in what they do and those who hold themselves accountable. I&nbsp;value honesty and authenticity above all else. I prefer bluntness over sugar coating and trust team members to tell me what's going on and what's on their minds.&nbsp;I appreciate people who can work autonomously&nbsp;but, more importantly, I value those who are able&nbsp;when to ask for help when needed.&nbsp;I&nbsp;believe that each mistake teaches us something and that the goal is not to be perfect, but to continue learning and elevating the team and yourself.

For myself,&nbsp;I aspire to be courageous, intelligent, strategic, and empathetic. I try my best&nbsp;to choose courage over comfort, do what's right over what's easy, and help others whenever possible. I like constructive criticism and encourage team members to speak up, share ideas, disagree,&nbsp;and tell me what they need to be successful.

# Communication

My preferred method of communication is whatever is best for you. I love it when people drop by my desk or call me over to theirs. Phone calls, video calls, screen shares, texts, slack - anything goes. My calendar is usually up to date, so drop in a meeting if you prefer to plan in advance. If not, I will make time when you need it. I'm here to help you, so please interrupt me if you are blocked.

**Availability**

I'm generally available to help at any time. Don't be shy if you think of something and want to message me outside of normal work hours. I'll respond when I&nbsp;can. However, if I message you outside of normal work hours, please don't feel obligated to respond. I sometimes send messages when I&nbsp;think of things so that I&nbsp;don't forget, but&nbsp;I don't expect an immediate response.

**1:1s**

I like to do 1:1s every week to check in and give team members an opportunity to let me know how they are feeling, what they need, what they&nbsp;want, career goals, etc. The amount of time&nbsp;and frequency are flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. I don't have agendas for 1:1s and they don't have to be about work updates unless you want them to be. It's your time to talk about what's on your mind. No topic is out of bounds!

# Personality quirks

**Personality Type:** **[ENFJ](https://www.16personalities.com/enfj-personality)&nbsp;all the way**

I am an open book,&nbsp;a terrible liar, and&nbsp;can be altruistic to a fault. Ask me anything and you will get an honest answer. For the most part, I think&nbsp;this level of transparency is a good thing, but sometimes I get myself in trouble.

I often have a hard time saying "no" to requests, but I'm always working on getting better with delegation and prioritization.

I get frustrated when I'm restricted or unable to use the tools and processes that increase my productivity when the same end results are accomplished.

# How can you tell if you're doing a good job in your first 30 days?&nbsp;

Honestly, just ask!&nbsp;