# Joshua Sortino's Manager Readme

**Design Director at Square**

# Welcome to my Readme file

Wouldn't it be great if people came with an instruction manual? Well, I do! This is my readme, and my hope is that this helps us work better together. After reading this doc, you'll understand my management style, what motivates me, and how to work best with me. Please hold me accountable to my principles and values, and call me on my bullshit when necessary.

# My role

I'm the Design Lead on Payments, but I also help support designers on Risk, Regulator, and POS Platform (Checkout Flow). While my primary focus at Square has been product design, I am using past experiences and knowledge to help grow the marketing design discipline within the Payments org.

# What do I value most?

**Empathy**  

I love and care deeply about people, their emotions, ambitions, and well-being. If everyone had a super power, empathy would be mine. It helps me effectively manage a team, and relate to the people I design for.

**Empowerment**

I try to be an empowering manager that refrains from dictating or micro-managing. I often use the metaphor that I am the "bumpers" in the gutters of a bowling lane. My job is to keep the ball from rolling off the lane, but your job is to aim and roll the ball. I appreciate results above process, but I appreciate good process when it delivers results. 

**Cohesion**

When people have conflicts, I prefer they self-resolve as much as possible (but seek a mediator when required). 

**Culture**

We live in a bubble, and I try to do something to buck the trend, every single day. Being immersed in different cultures (whether it be age, location, heritage, or another dynamic) helps me relate to many different perspectives when managing and designing.

**Quality and taste**

One of my primary jobs at Square is to ensure we maintain a high bar for quality. From hiring teams to every pixel we create, Squares should be building things that are remarkable. I also believe that not everything we create is directly measurable. There is an "x-factor" I like to think of as "good taste" which should be appreciated.

# My Expectations

**Book my time if you need it**

My time is for you, so book on my calendar if you need it.

**Use Slack!**

I'm a big fan of taking care of things without meetings when possible. Slack is the best way to get ahold of me quickly but I also check emails a few times a day.

**Close the loop**

If a task is assigned to you, don't drop the ball. Follow through on projects. I completely understand some projects take more time than others (this happens to me too) but I appreciate regular updates, follow-through, and resolution. If something can't be accomplished or should be delayed, be clear in setting expectations.

**Step up to the plate**

Part of my job is to help you grow. Sometimes that means delegating, or allowing others to step up to certain responsibilities. I appreciate when others stretch themselves by stepping up to the plate.

**Own your career growth**

I am here to _help_ you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and how to grow. But, you should own your career and seek feedback, bring up your ambitions, and specify where you want my help. I am here to help unlock your potential, but you must provide the key.

# 1:1s

I have weekly 1:1's with everyone I support. This time is your time. You can discuss 1) problems you need help working through, 2) brainstorming ideas, 3) career development or seeking feedback, 4) or anything else... it's your agenda, not mine!

# Personality quirks

I mentioned empathy would be my super power, but it would also be my kryptonite! When I can feel you are disappointed or not engaged, I will take notice immediately and sometimes get flustered. I am a people pleaser, and hate when you aren't pleased. This is something I'm working through personally. (The first step is admitting it!)

# Where to focus on your first 90 days?

When you first start, I hope you begin by developing empathy for our Sellers and team members, meet people to start building bridges, and begin remapping your past experiences to the way Square approaches working. Read the designer onboarding documentation (go/designeronboarding), and become active with the Square Design community. By the end of your first 90 days, my hope is that you are starting to feel more autonomous and independent, and are able to lead conversations, kickstart ideas, and provide your own perspectives.