What is this?
This is a simple guide to what you can expect when working with me. It’s meant to introduce how I think, how I work, and to answer some of the questions you might already have.
I see it as a living document – it will change as I do. Keeping it open and transparent is deliberate.
TL;DR
- I care deeply about people first, then product, then process – in that order.
- I value transparency, context, and feedback. You’ll always know where you stand with me.
- I don’t believe in micromanagement. If we’re working together, the job gets done. I don’t care when, where, or how – only that it’s done well.
- It’s normal not to know something. You’ll hear me say “I don’t know” often – and I’d rather we figure things out together than pretend.
- We don’t have to be friends to work effectively. We can disagree, even dislike each other, and still deliver great work.
- Communication: I’m available through messaging platforms and email. No phone calls.
What You Can Expect From Me
- Space for your ideas, feedback, and growth.
- Advocate for you when you’re not in the room.
- Well-being over output.
- Honest answers and never lie to you.
- I will take your success personally.
- I will own and learn from my mistakes.
Response Time
If you need me to take action, send a DM with a clear ask – don’t just tag me in issue trackers, those get lost in the noise.
I’m usually available during Eastern European Time.
If something is crucial, send me a Slack DM, mark it urgent in whatever way feels appropriate, and I’ll make time for you as soon as I can.
After Hours
I don’t expect anyone to respond outside normal business hours unless it’s a true blocker – the kind that’s actively costing us money.
Feedback
Feedback is foundational. I expect to give it, receive it, and encourage it in every direction. I’ll say dumb things sometimes – I don’t mind being called out, as long as I understand why.
My goal is for everyone to feel happy, fulfilled, and proud of the work they’re doing. Don’t hesitate to bring me feedback, concerns, or challenges.
One-on-Ones (1-1s)
- Bring anything you want: questions, frustrations, feedback, ideas.
- They’re your meetings.
- These don’t need to be status updates – I’m just as interested in your homelab (unless it’s bigger than mine), your BMW M3 (VANOS system again, right?), or your kid’s new Lego set.
- Feel free to share agenda items ahead of time if context helps. – if possible always.
- I will always make time for them – barring travel, vacation, illness, etc.
If something is urgent, don’t wait for the 1-1. Just ping me.
What I Think I Do Well
- Understand and advocate for customer needs.
- Avoid micromanagement.
- Build trust and safety.
What I Think I Don’t Do Well
- I can over-explain things trying to give full context, which sometimes buries the point.
- I get impatient with slow progress on ideas I care about and can push too hard without realizing it.
- I haven’t written production-grade code in a while – these days I focus on optimizing and improving systems rather than building from scratch.
- Historically struggled to say “no” to requests.
Let’s Talk
- What’s helpful?
- What’s missing?
- How can we make working together even better?
My door (virtual) is always open.
Important Note
This does not override any formal HR policies or performance management processes.
I make no distinction between full-time, part-time, temporary, or remote employees when it comes to work. My goal is to treat everyone and everything with equal respect and support. If it ever feels like I’m falling short, please let me know.