20 Comments
Dec 18, 2023Liked by Anton Zaides

Great tips! I came across the concept in the Rands Slack community first, and created mine. I also like the idea of titling it 'Manager's README - WIP.' This way, it's perceived not as something set in stone but as a current version or snapshot of leader/team relationships 😊

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for the recommendation, this is the first time I heard about the community, applied now to join :)

Yeah, I think the best comment I got here is about it being a joint effort with the team, more like a team document. I think there is a place for both - one more focused on your principles and thoughts, and another one about the day to day of the team, which you should do together with them.

Expand full comment

My wife’s manager wrote a manager’s README. She shares it with each new person on her team. It seemed like a great idea. I thought about writing one, too but was nervous about sharing it with others. You’ve inspired me to write one for next year.

Expand full comment
author

I was very nervous too :)

Good luck!

Expand full comment

Anton, your Manager's ReadMe is a brilliant initiative! Clear communication is the backbone of a successful team, and your transparent approach sets a great example. It's refreshing to see a leader who not only shares expectations but also emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and continuous improvement. Your dedication to helping your team grow and fostering a positive work environment truly shines through. Kudos on taking this step, and thanks for sharing your insights with the community

Expand full comment

This is amazing! Anton, you are a very good manager to eliminate the guessing game with your reports! I learned something new today :)

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Raviraj! 🙏

Expand full comment

I love the way you manage your people! Impressive.

Thanks for sharing :)

Expand full comment
Dec 6, 2023Liked by Anton Zaides

Great management and communication tips. As Ray Dalio says in his book Principles: "Get and stay in sync."

Expand full comment
author

Thank you! Dalio has some great advice in that books. I lived the concept of employee baseball cards, but I'm not sure most organizations will be able to stomach it :)

Expand full comment
Dec 6, 2023Liked by Anton Zaides

This is so comprehensive and I wish all my managers had done the same. Thanks for sharing Anton! Your reports are lucky to have a manager like you

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Leo 🙏

Expand full comment

this was an awesome read, thanks Anton

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Neo! 🙏

Expand full comment

This is such a great idea. In the past I've made great efforts to verbally go through this kind of thing individually with different team members. Creating a readme is so much more efficient. It's clear, you don't forget anything, you can update it as needed. Absolutely stealing this idea. Why didn't I think of this? Thanks for posting excellent content.

Expand full comment
author

Yeah, it’s definitely more effective than trying to do it one by one. I think the biggest benefit is putting everything in the open - all the small things people might be afraid to ask or discuss.

Expand full comment

Super cool doc Anton and thanks for sharing.

I can definitely see myself doing the same and following your example once I eventually make that switch into management. From an IC reading it, it makes a huge difference in how clear the expectations are.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Jordan! I'm waiting to discuss your challenges after the inevitable transition :)

Expand full comment

I love this idea!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Ken Ashe :)

Expand full comment