Natalie Hylton

Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)

Your manager is like legacy code: you didn't write it, but it's your problem. Learn how to debug the relationship by co-authoring a user manual for working together.

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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Matching moments

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04:22 MIN

Why HR struggles with technology implementation and adoption

What 2025 Taught Us: A Year-End Special with Hung Lee

Breaking down silos between HR, tech, and business
03:39 MIN

Breaking down silos between HR, tech, and business

What 2025 Taught Us: A Year-End Special with Hung Lee

Rapid-fire thoughts on the future of work
02:44 MIN

Rapid-fire thoughts on the future of work

What 2025 Taught Us: A Year-End Special with Hung Lee

Co-creating company values and training accidental managers
04:21 MIN

Co-creating company values and training accidental managers

Sustainable High Performance: Build It or Pay the Price

Moving beyond headcount to solve business problems
04:27 MIN

Moving beyond headcount to solve business problems

What 2025 Taught Us: A Year-End Special with Hung Lee

Automating formal processes risks losing informal human value
03:48 MIN

Automating formal processes risks losing informal human value

What 2025 Taught Us: A Year-End Special with Hung Lee

Navigating ambiguity as a core HR competency
04:22 MIN

Navigating ambiguity as a core HR competency

The Future of HR Lies in AND – Not in OR

Actionable tips for employers and employees
09:16 MIN

Actionable tips for employers and employees

Sustainable High Performance: Build It or Pay the Price

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