Let's face it, this is a weird document. It is a promise on how I will conduct myself as a manager, coworker, and individual. And I ask to be held accountable for this promise.
Whether you're new to the company, recently joined one of my teams, or have simply started interacting with me, this document will help you navigate alongside me and maximise our impact together.
<aside> 🤝 If you want to get to know your team’s personal lives, then start off by sharing yours.
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I am French, and I have spent most of my professional life in London. Currently, I am living in Lisbon, Portugal. I built my first website at the age of 12 and continued learning on my own until university. I graduated with an “Engineering” Masters degree in Software Engineering in 2015, with already 3 years of experience in my pocket, before emigrating to the UK to found my first (unsuccessful) start-up.
I quickly realized that coding was not my end goal. With my entrepreneur parents as role models, I discovered that efficiently leading and empowering teams of engineers is what brings me joy and fulfillment. As an Engineering Manager, I am responsible for the Delivery, Culture, and People Management of my teams, and I take pride in making every team member shine.
On this journey, I have written a book about "How I planned my wedding with Scrum". I have also started a podcast (in French) about Agile methodologies and Technical Leadership, and I have passed the Scrum Master and Kanban certifications.
To lower my stress levels and satisfy my chronic curiosity, I enjoy spending my spare time cooking, running long distances, playing the electric guitar, among many other things.
My leadership journey began after reading Extreme Ownership, written by a former Navy SEAL.
I embrace certain methods used in aviation and the military. Although they may make some people uncomfortable, they are undeniably efficient and literally battle-tested. My favorite method, which you will notice in every aspect of my team's work, is...
<aside> 🪖 Anticipate - Brief - Conduct - Debrief
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My interest in military strategy and leadership has influenced my management style. I strongly believe that managers work for their direct reports, and I am accountable for the decisions the team makes, even if I am not the one making them most of the time.
I see myself as a "king maker," patiently looking for opportunities to put individuals in positions where they can thrive and grow. I believe that anyone can become a leader, whether at an individual, team, department or company level.
I delegate a lot. This is for the teams to own the mission, grow together and build trust. Though, I will not delegate to you something I am not 100% sure you can complete. If you feel a thing I have delegated to you is too large, complex or risky, you should tell me, and I will help.
Finally, I use a set of personal values to filter my decisions and set the direction for my future: Kindness and Freedom.
One-on-ones are the most important meetings on my schedule, and they occur every other Wednesday. This schedule allows me to prepare for each meeting on Tuesday, sleep on it, and then focus on one person at a time.
I prepare for each one-on-one, and I encourage my reports to do the same in order to get the most out of it. We focus on what is important, but not urgent, so that we can delve deeper into it. For urgent and important matters, please Slack me or call me right away.