# Nick Stevenson's Manager Readme

**Self-employed at LL&P**

# Why this document?

I decided to write this guide to help the people I work with better understand who I am and what I most care about. The idea is to help build understanding and trust resulting in rewarding and productive work. Nothing in this doc is radical or innovative - its just about doing a great job of the basics. If we get that right then all sorts of magic can follow.

Your feedback is welcome.

# About me

I want to do worthwhile and fulfilling work that serves a purpose. I'm currently self-employed and working on some new ideas.  My last gig was with Spotify working on their fantastic Soundtrap product. [Soundtrap](https://www.soundtrap.com/musicmakers) is "your everywhere studio" making audio creation simple and collaborative for everyone.

For me, building happy and productive teams is an essential part of doing fulfilling work. Over the years I've found that the combination of happiness and productivity at work becomes a virtuous cycle provided we share responsibility for creating the right conditions.

I believe in inclusivity and equal opportunities in the workplace. If you have the skills, are willing to work with commitment and to deliver results in partnership with your colleagues, then you are very likely a great fit for one of our teams. This isn't an empty claim - I have hired and developed people on as many spectrums of diversity as I can think of.

I understand that creative thinking needs sustained focus and I am an advocate for [daily "maker time"](https://medium.com/@growthstreet/makers-make-time-to-make-8acc5c3968d4) so you can do your best work.

There is more about me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickstevenson/).

# What to expect from me as your manager

I will encourage you to keep a healthy work-life balance. I want you to do your best so (on a normal basis) please work smart, not long. Live long and prosper!

I will value your input and constructive disagreement. That's because we'll make better decisions together, sometimes by working through differing points of view. I'll expect you to commit to a decision once it has been made and you can expect the same from me.

I will be open, fair and straight-forward and expect you to take feedback in good faith. Expect that it won't always be possible for me to share confidential information.

I am not willing to tolerate "talented jerks" who undermine team morale through negative behaviour. I hope you feel the same. Please be constructive and help me to build thriving teams.

# What I expect from you as your manager

Know what's important and why, define your goals and then focus on achieving them. This is a great way to build value for your customers, develop your career and feel a sense of accomplishment in your work. Be prepared to discuss your goals when we meet and to tell me how I can help.

Be entrepreneurial and keep a balance between pragmatism and taking pride in your work. Both speed and quality are important; one helps us now, the other helps us in future.

Be a great communicator by being specific, concise and making your material accessible for your audience. This is about clarity of communication not advanced language skills.

Involve yourself in finding talented team mates - this is one of the best and most valuable ways you can contribute. Refer the talented people you meet and, if you can be an interviewer, be an interviewer.

# Things to avoid

Assuming I know what you know slows communication. Tell me what you want to get out of a conversation; if there's a question then start with that, then fill me in with the relevant context.

'Hiding' when the pressure is on can undermine trust. If there's a problem then let's confront it early, stay present with the team and celebrate success at the end.

Complaining and negativity are unhelpful habits - please avoid them. I encourage and appreciate  constructive feedback.

Accepting complaining and negative behaviour from others is a way to encourage it - please don't. Do challenge it directly yourself, then if necessary, let me know about it.

# 1:1s and asking for my time

I like to make sure we have 1 to 1 meetings regularly and we will treat them as high priority. I recommend thinking ahead and sharing what you'd like to discuss in advance if you can. Examples of what we will periodically discuss: 

- Your career growth and what the pathway to your next promotion will look like.  
- Your objectives, to verify they are rewarding for you and valuable for the business.  
- Help I can give you as you manager, which could include personal, environmental, productivity and technological matters.

You don't need to wait for a 1 to 1 to discuss something important and urgent. My calendar is open so feel free to book in some time. If you need help immediately then call me - I'm available 24/7 for very urgent matters.

# Reading & listening

Here are a few things I've found interesting and have benefitted from over the years:

- [The Magic of Thinking Big](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1785040472?pf_rd_p=330fbd82-d4fe-42e5-9c16-d4b886747c64&pf_rd_r=AMDF2ASN7TPT14R3QG6D) by David J Schwartz. I think this book needs to find you at the right time but whether or not you like the style, the message is powerful and timeless. I like the audio book read by David J Schwartz himself which is only available on [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiC0PSwKop8) at the moment.

- [Amazon's Leadership Principles](https://www.amazon.jobs/en-gb/principles) - these have been a big influence on my working life and I think anyone can get something useful from them. I also love the [Nordstrom Employee Handbook](https://www.businessinsider.com/nordstroms-employee-handbook-2014-10?r=US&IR=T) which perfectly boils it all down to one essential.

- [The Future of Programming](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecIWPzGEbFc) by "Uncle" Bob Martin - fascinating opinion on how technology and programming has evolved. And what next.

- [Do Schools Kill Creativity?](https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity?referrer=playlist-the_most_popular_talks_of_all) by Sir Ken Robinson - Education should nurture creativity. Children aren't afraid of being wrong - "if you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original".
- [Hello to Jason Isaacs!](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lvdrj/episodes/downloads)