3 ms·

These should be taken as the hypothesis statement at the start of an experiment, that will or won't be borne out by what actually happens. Show, don't tell. One

These should be taken as the hypothesis statement at the start of an experiment, that will or won't be borne out by what actually happens. Show, don't tell. One reason: People can be wrong about themselves. Or they can, with varying degrees of either idealism or self-dishonesty, present a rosy view that amounts to little more than a sales pitch for themselves. If it's true, you'll find out soon enough. If it's not, you'll find out soon enough. Therefore these documents have little value and should be kept to the minimum length needed to discuss practical things like email expectations and overall goals - things everybody has to agree on.

elliottcarlson 9y ago
I completely agree - this document is worthless without follow through and accountability; which honestly was my motivation for writing mine. I want my reports, peers and boss to know how I expect to work and hold me accountable to the promises I make - I am not perfect, but the principles I outline is what I strive for.
perseusprime11 9y ago
+1 what bites you next time is not the same time as what bit you last time. Hard to imagine how anyone will respond in an untrained situation. Interesting to see how quickly these things become a fad in silicon valley
chrbarrol 9y ago
Too many teams I have worked in have way too little personal on-boarding in my opinion. At least with these presentations I know how the manager "wants" to present him/herself, if this turns out to be false, as you say, I'll know soon enough. On the other hand there are managers that do not introduce themselves enough to new employees which forces you to effectively learn by trial and error how you should interact with them. My point is I would appreciate an idealist sales pitch about a new manager more than just an unplanned, informal conversation.
- rdiddly 8y ago
  It definitely does provide a sort of head-start on reaching that understanding, so in that sense it's valuable.

elliottcarlson 9y ago

I completely agree - this document is worthless without follow through and accountability; which honestly was my motivation for writing mine. I want my reports, peers and boss to know how I expect to work and hold me accountable to the promises I make - I am not perfect, but the principles I outline is what I strive for.

perseusprime11 9y ago

+1 what bites you next time is not the same time as what bit you last time. Hard to imagine how anyone will respond in an untrained situation. Interesting to see how quickly these things become a fad in silicon valley

chrbarrol 9y ago

Too many teams I have worked in have way too little personal on-boarding in my opinion. At least with these presentations I know how the manager "wants" to present him/herself, if this turns out to be false, as you say, I'll know soon enough. On the other hand there are managers that do not introduce themselves enough to new employees which forces you to effectively learn by trial and error how you should interact with them. My point is I would appreciate an idealist sales pitch about a new manager more than just an unplanned, informal conversation.

rdiddly 8y ago
It definitely does provide a sort of head-start on reaching that understanding, so in that sense it's valuable.