You might have an average manager, trying to do their best, like you. That is OK. You should help
- Always assume the best intent
- Do not confuse incompetence with malice
- Nobody is against you, everybody is for themselves
- Know where your manager has been and where he wants to head
- ideally, he will ask you at some point some textbook questions like ‘what you expect from the company, where you want to be in 5 years’ etc. turn the question around after a satisfactory answer
- They will be busy, yet they will find time. Making themselves available and prioritise is THEIR job, asking for time is yours. Allow them to do his job.
- There is a fine line between complaining and reporting, do you know where it is for you? where it is for your manager?
- There is a fine line between blockers vs. excuses, do you know where it is for you? where it is for your manager?
- What’s important to Your Manager:, figure them out, fast
- What are your top priorities right now?
- If I had more time, what would be most useful for me to help you with?
- What does success on my project/task look like to you?
- What do you meditate the team most needs from me right now?
- Who was the best engineer/product manager you have worked with? (who would you bring here if you can why is impossible to ignore for any experienced manager..)