A user manual to working with me
I recently came across a post that shared the concept of user manuals for others to read when they are preparing to work with you. I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea lately, so I decided to create my own. If we’re just starting out in our working relationship, I hope this gives you some useful insights and I’m excited to get to work with you too! Keep in mind this is in a constant state of evolution. I don’t expect my answers to stay the same, so if we work together already, it might be worth checking back once in a while.
What are some honest, unfiltered things about you?
What drives you nuts?
Really the only two things drive me nuts. 1) When people don’t take responsibility for their actions and 2) when people lie. If you don’t do either of those things, we should be able to work through anything else.
What are your quirks?
I dance. I sing. I do these things when you least expect and then I do them all the time. I can’t control it, so I’ve basically stopped trying to. I just have energy I have to get out and it comes out in the form of dance moves that I think I’m good at, but would probably just embarrass my children. On top of that, I love to keep things organized, I’m not sure if that is a quirk, but it is a thing, so I’m writing it down.
How can people earn an extra gold star with you?
Show me that you care about other people. Put them first in your words and actions. It really isn’t more complicated than that.
What qualities do you particularly value in people who work with you?
You love working with people
You value your work relationships
You’re organized
You challenge the way things are and always look for ways to make things better
What are some things that people might misunderstand about you that you should clarify?
I’m bossy. Well, I guess I’m not bossy, I just like things done a particular way. That said, see the above question, last bullet point. If you can make a case for why something should be done another way, I’ll always listen.
How do you coach people to do their best work and develop their talents?
The only way I can be a successful coach is to get to know you. When we start working together expect that I’ll want to know things about your personal life. I’m going to want to understand how you think, what you enjoy doing, how you think lettuce grows. SO MANY QUESTIONS. Then I’m going to likely put some structure in place, but also allow some things to happen organically. Like task on our plate, coaching requires an individual approach, a clear plan and an agreement on what success looks like. That’s different for every person I work with. I want to help you be the best you can at the job you’re doing, so you should fully expect me to jump in head first.
What’s the best way to communicate with you?
Slack, text, email. Make sure you make it clear when you need an answer from me. If you call me, I’ll always answer, but it should be serious.
What’s the best way to convince you to do something?
With clear, short messages. Say what you mean and mean what you say. We’re both busy, so get to your point, make your case and give me time and space to think about what you’re saying.
How do you like to give feedback?
Oh, I love to give feedback in all of the ways. I’ll tell you verbally, I’ll write it in a note, I’ll even sing it to you in a song. Feedback makes (both of) us better.
How do you like to get feedback?
I hate feedback. Just kidding. See above. Get creative. Tell it to me straight.