This user guide is for anyone who works with Conner. It is meant to give you a better sense of who I am and how I work so that we can develop the strongest relationship possible. I encourage you to do the same and share your user guide with me! Comments and suggestions are also welcome.
How I Communicate
I’m a controller. When it comes to decisions, discussions, and getting things done, I like to move as quickly as possible. I keep things short and sweet and hate when I perceive we are wasting time. When there is stress or time constraints I’m going to be more apt to be an aggressive controller and ensure we keep moving. This means I may seem extremely pushy and not willing to spend time thinking through decisions. Part of that is true, but a lot of it comes from the fact that I believe making a decisions is often times more important than making the perfect decision.
I do love to debate things, and will almost always have an opinion. You may think that means I am strongly advocating for my opinions all the time, this is not true. If you ever feel you’re not getting through to me, it’s a great time to ask me directly, “how much do you really care about x?”. This might help us come to a resolution quicker.
I will interrupt you. I’m not doing this because I don’t care what you have to say, but because I’m excited and can’t wait to tell you something. I am always working on doing this less, but I will still do it and may not notice or acknowledge it. If this happens please let me know. I want to continue to grow in this area and feedback would be very welcome
Logistics
I’d rather talk in person or through video calls than any other method. I’m a verbal processor so it helps me think and process whatever you are saying.
I prefer Slack to email, unless the message is long and detailed. That said, I have strong opinions on Slack etiquette and ask that you not to add me to channels.
I tend to give off a very busy and stressed vibe almost all the time. It’s how I’m wired and though it’s sometimes true, it’s rare that I’m not willing to spend a few minutes helping you with a problem.
I process out loud a lot. I can sometimes express opinions as facts and come across like I know the answer when really I just have an idea. I am working on making it clear when something is just an idea versus something I know. You can always ask me that question and I may either know the answer or it will make me stop and think.
When I Work
I usually work (roughly) from 8-4:30. I’m a morning person and like to get most of my heads-down time in before anyone shows up at the office. You can contact me at any time of the day, I have my notifications set up to protect my personal time. If I respond to you it’s because I chose to respond to you and not because you messaged me. So don’t feel bad about a 10:30 pm message.
When things aren’t crazy I usually stick to my working hours. But when things are busy I will work a lot and at weird times. It may seem like I’m never not working during those times, and it may be true. I care a lot and will think about work way more than I should when things are busy because that’s when things are their most interesting. I don’t expect this from my coworkers and as long as you’re keeping promises I’m not going to notice or care when you work.
Expectations
I currently see my role as advisory and support as much as possible. This is a big shift for me as I am used to doing the work. If you’re working on a project with me, know that I am almost always holding back from jumping in and doing the work. Please toss any questions or issues to me as you’re working, this regular contact will help me feel better about letting go.
Keeping everyone informed is really important to me. I would love it if you posted a quick update in Slack of what progress was made if we’re working on a big initiative together with an important deadline. I don’t want all the details, but a “we solved this” or a “we got blocked by x” helps me avoid making up stories in my head about what’s happening.
Feedback
Giving
I'm not great at giving feedback in the moment which means that I typically don’t give a lot of feedback at all. I’m working on this, though, and trying to be better about giving both good and constructive feedback. If you ever want me to provide you feedback, just ask. I might need to process on it a bit before I can respond, but I will try my best to help you grow.
I’ve also probably started a staff meeting high 5 for half the office and never finished it. I have a resolution for 2020 to actually give one out. I say this to let you know that I do care and do notice good work.
Receiving
Like most people, I prefer timely and direct feedback (which is why I’m trying to get better at giving it)! Please let me know what I can do to improve how we work together!
Personal Stuff
Things that might be helpful for you to know:
- I’m married to Amy, who I am sure I’ve already mentioned.
- I own a house in Saint Paul and will attempt to convince at least 1 Clockworker to move in whenever my neighbors put their house on the market.
- I have one cat. I love animals of all types, including your dog.
- I love to cook, it’s one of the ways I de-stress.
- I know more than I should about the Twin Cities restaurant scene. Ask me for a restaurant recommendation and I’ll probably give you 4 and talk about it for way too long.
- I grew up on a farm by a tiny town in Montana and graduated with 6 other students. I did an unconference talk about it once.