Personal user manuals - The approach you never knew you needed
Whilst delivering training this week to some eager explorers, we touched upon the 'personal user manual' or 'manual of me' technique during a session about empathy and unconditional positive regard.
A personal user manual is exactly as it sounds and the below example is a fantastic one by the extremely talented Steven Sampson-Jones.
- They outline how you like to communicate
- What your working preferences are
- How you prefer to work with others or receive feedback
- Ultimately, which conditions enable you to be your best self.
Essentially, it's a guide book to you.
Created by you
That helps others to understand how best to interact with you in a way that is most effective.
The value of them extends beyond that though. They aren't just for you. They give others, members of your team (or wider organisation), valuable insights into how you operate.
Why create one?
- It's a great opportunity to reflect on your own needs and working preferences
- It's a short cut to helping those around you to understand you which can help to build trust, empathy and strengthen the relationship
- It can help to avoid dysfunctional behaviour, frustration or wasted time & effort.
Imagine a scenario where Sam, a member of the team is regularly late for a daily sync. The team begins to notice, get frustrated. Does he not respect our time? We always end up running behind..
A manual of me might tell that team that Sam has the school run at that time and has to rush to get back. It might help the team find a more appropriate time that fits the collective teams needs.
How can you create one?
The best thing is, you don't need to be an artist and it doesn't have to be perfect. A simple whiteboard, post-its and some pictures will suffice
There are templates on the Miro - Miroverse such as the one by Amanda M. White Tyler Latshaw
Or you can even try the website manualof .me, easy.
Do you folks use these? What other techniques to you use to help people understand your personal working needs?
#agile #scrum #teamwork #manualofme #visualisation
Whilst delivering training this week to some eager explorers, we touched upon the 'personal user manual' or 'manual of me' technique during a session about empathy and unconditional positive regard.
A personal user manual is exactly as it sounds and the below example is a fantastic one by the extremely talented Steven Sampson-Jones.
- They outline how you like to communicate
- What your working preferences are
- How you prefer to work with others or receive feedback
- Ultimately, which conditions enable you to be your best self.
Essentially, it's a guide book to you.
Created by you
That helps others to understand how best to interact with you in a way that is most effective.
The value of them extends beyond that though. They aren't just for you. They give others, members of your team (or wider organisation), valuable insights into how you operate.
Why create one?
- It's a great opportunity to reflect on your own needs and working preferences
- It's a short cut to helping those around you to understand you which can help to build trust, empathy and strengthen the relationship
- It can help to avoid dysfunctional behaviour, frustration or wasted time & effort.
Imagine a scenario where Sam, a member of the team is regularly late for a daily sync. The team begins to notice, get frustrated. Does he not respect our time? We always end up running behind..
A manual of me might tell that team that Sam has the school run at that time and has to rush to get back. It might help the team find a more appropriate time that fits the collective teams needs.
How can you create one?
The best thing is, you don't need to be an artist and it doesn't have to be perfect. A simple whiteboard, post-its and some pictures will suffice
There are templates on the Miro - Miroverse such as the one by Amanda M. White Tyler Latshaw
Or you can even try the website manualof .me, easy.
Do you folks use these? What other techniques to you use to help people understand your personal working needs?
#agile #scrum #teamwork #manualofme #visualisation
