The user guide to working with Michael Lee

The purpose of this user guide is to give insights into how best to work with me, Michael Lee.

It is a living document, which means, as I learn new things about myself, I’ll be sure to update this document.

An ideal day at work looks like

• Family is happy
  • Kids are fed and dropped off at school
  • Wife and I are in-sync with the family’s needs for the day
• Got a tall glass of water and my coffee tea coffee
• 15 minutes to organize my day
• I understand the tasks I need to get done without too much ambiguity
• I have 2 meetings, MAYBE 3 by choice
• 3-4 hour block to do deep work
  • May include a walk to problem solve the issue at hand
• 30 minutes to clear out my day
• Note making in my PKM to organize new bits of information
• I’m able to pick up my kids from school
• I’m able to stop my work at 5PM EST sharp

Things people might misunderstand about me

• I ask questions to get clarity
  • One of my core beliefs is that there are no dumb questions
  • Usually when I’m asking questions, I’m doing so to get clarity around something
    • I do this to make sure I understand a problem or topic so that I can make sure there is no miscommunication and prevent from having other repeat themselves
• I write a lot of information down
  • I do this because I barely remember what I had for breakfast
  • I would rather refer back to my notes instead of bothering you
  • I’m doing it to align on expectations

What gives me energy at work

• Being creative
• Deep work
• Being heard
• Punctuality
• Clear communication
• Clear expectations
• Respect for each other’s time

What drains me at work

• Unnecessary distractions
• Meetings without clear agendas
• Context switching
• Being called to a meeting without the need for my expertise or input

Preferred communications channels

• Async first, unless you need me immediately
  1. Email
  2. Jira
  3. Slack
     • Treat Slack as async
• Zoom
  • Sometimes communication is just quicker over Zoom
  • If you find that we’re churning in a different channel (2-3 emails/comments) please schedule a Zoom call with me

How can someone earn a gold star with me

Share with me how my work is being impactful to the end user or company.

How I like to receive feedback

• Timely
  • If you have feedback for me, don’t make me wait
  • Feedback should be given in-person, not in async form
• If it’s an issue between you and I, I want it to be a collaborative effort to course correct
• Let’s be partners

Things I can help with that might be helpful to you

• Career advice as a software engineer at various organizations
  • I’ve worked at an agency, university, multiple startups at various stages
• Personal automation
  • Save time by automating repeated tasks using iOS and macOS apps
• Productivity
  • I would show, not tell. Productivity is a personal thing. I could show you ways I do things, to hopefully inspire you to become more efficient in your work.

What motivates me at work

• Life outside of work

My superpower is

• Denerding things
• Speaking with non-technical stakeholders
• Listening to a problem and getting to the why

My achilles heel is

• Too many meetings
• Unclear or unspoken expectations (I’m not a mind reader, don’t make assumptions)

Important problems

These are a list of my favorite problems that I’m mulling over.

• How can I be a better husband?
• How can I be a better father?
• What’s the best pizza joint?
• How can I better serve my co-workers?
• How can I up-level others?

One fun fact about me

I’ve met some celebrities randomly throughout my life. Often times by complete accident.

• Brad Bird
• Tyra Banks
• Mario Batalli
• The original Yellow Power Ranger, Trini
• Mr. Belding and Screech from Saved by the Bell
• Fonsworth Bentley