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Do your group members actually know the way you’re employed? Not too long ago, I created a “Working with Our Leaders” useful resource for Lemonlight group members that outlines how I choose to work, collaborate and lead. Impressed by Claire Hughes Johnson, the previous COO of Stripe, every member of our management group now has their very own model of this handbook.
As I wrote my profile (which you’ll see right here!), I spotted how a lot we assume our colleagues perceive our working kinds with out ever explicitly sharing them. Here is why I consider each chief ought to create a handbook to set the tone for efficient group collaboration — and what yours ought to embrace.
Why it issues
Making a “Learn how to Work With Me” handbook is a priceless train for any chief. It offers a transparent framework on your group to know how you’re employed finest, fostering higher communication and collaboration. Listed here are a number of the particular advantages.
Achieve readability by yourself preferences and tendencies
Writing your handbook is not only a instrument on your group — it is a priceless reflection train for you as a pacesetter. You may suppose you recognize precisely how you use, what drives you and what you count on from others, however till you sit down and clarify these ideas, there could also be issues you have not absolutely explored. This course of forces you to suppose critically about your management fashion, serving to you discover areas the place chances are you’ll be unclear or inconsistent.
For instance, you may uncover that you simply choose direct communication however have by no means clearly defined that to your group, resulting in misunderstandings. Otherwise you may understand that you simply worth fast decision-making however have not been prioritizing that day-to-day. By taking the time to jot down down your preferences, you possibly can set the stage for higher collaboration and construct your self-awareness.
The extra you perceive your personal tendencies, the higher you possibly can handle your reactions, make knowledgeable selections and create a piece surroundings that aligns together with your values.
Set clear expectations for group collaboration
Subsequent, your group cannot meet your wants if you happen to’ve by no means communicated what these wants are. A “Learn how to Work With Me” handbook bridges this hole by offering a transparent, concise information that outlines your expectations, preferences and dealing fashion.
For instance, in my handbook, I clarify that if we have mentioned one thing in particular person and I owe you motion objects, sending me a follow-up e-mail ensures I do not miss something. This may appear to be a small element, however with out sharing this, group members might need to guess at finest practices. These assumptions can result in inefficiencies, miscommunications and frustration.
By clearly outlining your preferences, you take away the guesswork on your group. They’re going to know precisely methods to strategy duties, methods to talk with you and methods to align their work together with your expectations. Everybody is aware of what’s anticipated of them, which reduces the possibilities of misunderstandings and makes it simpler to get issues completed.
Plus, setting clear expectations helps construct belief. When your group is aware of that you’ve got taken the time to speak your wants, they’re going to really feel extra assured of their interactions with you. This belief is the inspiration of a high-performing group the place everybody feels valued and understood.
Associated: The Energy of Clear Expectations Between Managers and Staff
Open the dialogue for others to share
Lastly, as leaders, we set the tone for a way our groups function and the way individuals talk with one another. By creating and sharing your “Learn how to Work With Me” handbook, you are not simply clarifying your personal preferences — you are additionally encouraging others to do the identical. This could result in a extra open, clear work surroundings the place everybody feels snug sharing their very own working kinds.
Think about if each group member had their very own “methods to work with me” information. It could normalize discussions about particular person wants, preferences and dealing kinds, fostering a tradition of mutual respect and understanding. When individuals are open about how they work finest, groups can collaborate extra successfully and lean on one another’s strengths.
For instance, some group members may choose detailed written directions, whereas others may choose verbal communication. Understanding these preferences may also help in assigning duties, organizing conferences and structuring workflows. Encouraging your group to create their very own manuals additionally promotes self-awareness, requiring them to mirror on their very own working kinds and talk them successfully.
What to incorporate
When creating your “Learn how to Work With Me” handbook, take into consideration the important thing facets of your working fashion that would influence your group. For instance, my profile consists of sensible particulars like how and after I reply to emails, a number of skilled areas I am specializing in enhancing and even my behavior of tweaking the design of Excel spreadsheets I obtain (it is me, not you!).
You may contemplate together with sections about your communication fashion, typical work hours, expectations from direct stories, management fashion, the way you construction your day, the way you prefer to run conferences and the rest that would facilitate smoother collaboration.
Do not be afraid so as to add a private contact, too. My handbook consists of tidbits about my hobbies, my canine Oliver, my favourite writer (Augusten Burroughs) and even my outcomes from frequent persona assessments. Including a “human” aspect to your management may also help your group join with you on a extra private stage.
If you happen to assume your teammates — and particularly your direct stories — already know this details about you, I encourage you to jot down it out. You could be stunned by what you study your self and the way a lot readability it brings to your group!
Associated: Why Self-Reflection and Self-Consciousness Are Important Abilities for Any Entrepreneur
