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If you're like me, you like things done in a certain way. Sometimes you get irritated when others, who don't know that, do something you don't like.
Over the years, I've found that a frank conversation at the beginning of a working relationship can help prevent these issues.
The outcome of that conversation is a "user manual."
It acts as a reference and can be updated as needed. Within a team, these user manuals help build trust and understanding. They prevent petty tensions from becoming full-blown disputes.
Getting Started
To help you get your first draft going, think deeply and answer these 12 questions:
- What are your key strengths and skills?
- What are you working to improve?
- How do you prefer to communicate (email, Slack, in person, phone)?
- What's your typical work schedule or availability?
- How do you like to receive feedback?
- What energizes you at work?
- What drains you at work?
- How do you prefer to make decisions?
- What are your pet peeves or triggers?
- What might people misunderstand about you?
- What's your approach to collaboration?
- What's one thing people should know to work effectively with you?
Keep It Fresh
Treat your manual as a living document. Get your teammates to do the same. Keep the conversation going by checking in on the manuals periodically, at least annually, or after significant milestones.
When everyone knows how everyone else ticks, you spend less time navigating personalities and more time doing great work together.
