# Zameel's Manager Readme **VP SRE at Aircall** # this is v0.1 so bear with me. i've often been asked "what's your management style?" its a really difficult question to answer on the spot so writing it seems like an efficient way of answering the question but also allows a bit of self-reflection. i like the idea of simply pointing people to a URL to read up on my style. it also serves as a reminder that [i'm only human](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3wKzyIN1yk), i make mistakes and have quirks like everyone else. i wrote this for people who will work with me and for me, its not limited to those groups. we are all on a journey and mine is no different to yours so please leave some feedback.  # My role sounds a bit of a cliche but its to get stuff done that meets the objectives of my management, the department and the firm - I'm a part of a team. i am here to make you successful, if you are successful and fulfilled then I will be too and we can be successful together. # What do I value most? i really value teams where we work pro-actively to solve a problem or a create something new rather than sit back and wait to be told to do something.  # What I expect this looks like a long list (and it probably is!) its not exhaustive and there are some overlaps but the better you know what to expect the better we will get along. my job is to _context switch_ so I'm used to jumping around different topics, challenges etc but if you approach me on chat saying " **hi**" I probably wont respond because I have no idea whether you are about to tell me the best news I've ever heard or something terrible - give me a hint please. - **communicate** : please be open and honest in your communication with me, i am not a mind reader and prefer not to second guess you - open and honest communication is the bedrock to a successful working relationship - **meetings: ** dont just put a meeting in my diary without an agenda as I will likely not turn up, start a meeting promptly I hate meetings which start and finish late - you've got watches/smartphones/time on your laptop - use it! - **escalations** : i really do not like escalations which are not backed up with facts or data, I particularly don't like escalations where you've not tried to resolve it yourself and I really hate unmanaged escalations where for example something needs escalation because you've ignored something (unless a valid reason). remember i will probably have to explain this to someone else. - **done** : the definition of done should be backed up by some data or criteria that allows an objective measure of success. - **hours** : i don't expect people to kill themselves working long hours but i do expect people to be productive during work time - you are an adult so I expect you to act and behave as one.  - **health:**  i care about your health partly because i have had periods of illness through my working life so i truly know what it is like to be unwell and have the pressure of work and home life bear down on you. take time out of the office if are unwell, seek help - don't suffer in silence - **i need to speak with you :** i try to operate an "open door" policy, if you need something tell me - if my diary has no free slots for a meeting to discuss there is probably a good reason but you can interrupt me via chat (just dont say hi!) if you need me, dropping me an email might work but this depends on what else is in my inbox. failing all that call me! - **honesty: ** you've made a mistake then be open and honest about it as soon as you can, I find that the old saying of "honest is the best policy" is very true but learn from it so you become better at becoming better. - **speak up** - if something feels wrong or is wrong then it probably is so call it out (respectfully) via the proper channels. # 1:1s generally I like to have 1:1s on a weekly basis or worst case every 2 week. ideally I expect you to come to me with an agenda. Having a structure and preparation for 1:1s allows us to get the most of our time together. I prefer not to focus on transactional items but understand that in a working week there may not be time to get on top of everything. We should be discussing how to make you more successful during each session because constant dialogue and feedback in small steps lead to bigger changes in the long term. # Personality quirks I have opinions period. rightly or wrongly I like to voice my opinion and I except that at times this can put others off from speaking up - if I do this feel free to tell me in a respectful way trust me I will appreciate it. please dont give up trying to make your point I get impatient when people are taking too long to make a point or get an idea across - I'll likely interrupt you respectfully and either directly tell you so or ask you to think about how about to re-frame. I really enjoy debate but not just for debating's sake - please come to an outcome otherwise I'll get frustrated. please dont dump all decisions on me, most of the time you are smarter than I so come to me ideas and thoughts to help me make a decision if you must. # Where to focus on your first 90 days? get to know me, listen a lot and speak to lots of people.