A Manager README is a document designed to establish clarity between a
manager and those who report to them. These documents are especially useful
for onboarding content. For example, if you have someone new starting on
your team, there's so many things you need to share with them - pieces of
advice and guidance that help them to make the best decision about what to
do in specific situations. A Manager README sets some expectations in
advance to make things easier and reduce friction and anxiety for team
members.
Today, we’re talking to Matt Newkirk, who manages Etsy’s localization and
translation group. He explains that even if your company has an intensive
onboarding program and review process, some things are still left out. A
Manager README is a helpful and proactive piece of content that prompts
conversations about how people perceive things.