Natalie Hylton
Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)
#1about 5 minutes
Why great technologists often become poor managers
A common pitfall in the tech industry is promoting individuals for their technical skills rather than their leadership abilities, leading to communication breakdowns.
#2about 3 minutes
Your manager doesn't come with a user manual
Instead of expecting your manager to have all the answers, you should proactively co-author a relationship agreement to define how you will work together.
#3about 3 minutes
Shift from working for to working with your manager
Use empathy and emotional intelligence to understand your manager's goals, stressors, and communication preferences to build a true partnership.
#4about 5 minutes
Build professional trust by showing vulnerability
Vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful tool for building trust quickly by admitting mistakes, asking for help, or sharing personal context.
#5about 4 minutes
Use proactive communication to prevent misunderstandings
Bridge the anxiety gap by providing frequent status updates and clarifying conflicting priorities to prevent guesswork and stress for both you and your manager.
#6about 4 minutes
Take ownership of your career growth conversations
Use one-on-one meetings strategically by setting the agenda and scheduling separate, dedicated time to discuss your career aspirations and development needs.
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