Eye contact
I'm a pretty friendly person but you may notice I don't hold eye contact for very long. Sometimes this gives people the wrong impression that I'm unhappy or that I don't like them, which is rarely true! I have an autism spectrum disorder and sustained eye contact, especially with people I'm not extremely close to, just makes me feel really uncomfortable. It's not you, it's me!
What's the best way to get in touch with you?
If we're work teammates, I am basically always on Slack and very responsive, but don't respond to messages in the evening or on weekends unless it's an emergency or I've pre-arranged to work outside standard hours. If I'm in the office, it's also 100% okay to swing by my desk--just shoot me a message first to double-check that I'm at a good stopping point (strong chance it'll be fine!), and also because I startle easily when people show up behind me.
Questions for our first 1:1
What pronouns do you use?
What makes you grumpy?
- vague or unclear requests without links or supporting screenshots :c
- being under 80% or over 105% capacity
- too many unplanned extra demands on my time
- being too cold in the office
How will I know when you're grumpy?
Warning signs include me skipping lunch or having a startle response any time anyone approaches my desk looking like they might ask me to do something.
How can I help you when you're grumpy?
Get me away from my desk or otherwise help me switch tracks for a bit. I'm usually pretty good at doing this on my own, but sometimes I can tunnel too hard on a problem and forget to do things that help me reset, like having a snack or taking a stretch break.
How do you like to receive tasks? (Tickets, spreadsheets, slack messages, etc)
If possible, I prefer to receive tasks in the form of tickets--it's easiest for me to keep track of the status that way. I also tend to write a lot of notes on how I approached a problem for later reference, so I prefer getting tickets in a place where I can add those!
In what medium do you like to receive feedback?
Slack messages are great for feedback that could use a little privacy; if I get a sudden mysterious meeting on my schedule or a manager wants to talk to me in private I tend to automatically go to worst-case scenario.
At what times do you like feedback (routine in 1:1s, as-it-happens, etc)
I prefer to get feedback as it happens, just so I can correct any problems as fast as possible--it feels better than hearing about something after the fact. If I hear about something for the first time at a review I feel like I've really screwed up!
How do you prefer to receive recognition? (public/private)
I love a spot of public recognition but I can get a little overwhelmed by it! If I look direly uncomfortable I am totally fine, I promise.
What do you need from your manager?
Reassurance that my work continues to be good (if applicable); direction on how to achieve goals that I've asked about, such as examples of how to demonstrate promotion qualities; help shifting around workload if it gets overwhelming.
From your team?
Feeling comfortable asking questions and being asked questions; being a sounding board for solving problems; help for areas outside my expertise; camaraderie.
From your peers? (outside the team)
Being able to ask questions and collaborate rather than receiving or giving orders or throwing something over the fence; exchanging ideas.
What's your favorite baked good?
I love all baked goods but I have a special soft spot for cake pops.