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Do your workforce members actually understand how you’re employed? Lately, I created a “Working with Our Leaders” useful resource for Lemonlight workforce 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 workforce now has their very own model of this handbook.
As I wrote my profile (which you’ll be able to see right here!), I noticed how a lot we assume our colleagues perceive our working types with out ever explicitly sharing them. This is why I consider each chief ought to create a handbook to set the tone for efficient workforce collaboration — and what yours ought to embody.
Why it issues
Making a “Methods to Work With Me” handbook is a useful train for any chief. It gives a transparent framework to your workforce to grasp how you’re employed finest, fostering higher communication and collaboration. Listed here are a few of the particular advantages.
Achieve readability by yourself preferences and tendencies
Writing your handbook is not only a device to your workforce — it is a useful reflection train for you as a frontrunner. You may assume you recognize precisely how you use, what drives you and what you anticipate 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 assume critically about your management model, 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 workforce, 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 write down down your preferences, you may set the stage for higher collaboration and construct your self-awareness.
The extra you perceive your individual tendencies, the higher you may handle your reactions, make knowledgeable selections and create a piece atmosphere that aligns along with your values.
Set clear expectations for workforce collaboration
Subsequent, your workforce cannot meet your wants if you happen to’ve by no means communicated what these wants are. A “Methods to Work With Me” handbook bridges this hole by offering a transparent, concise information that outlines your expectations, preferences and dealing model.
For instance, in my handbook, I clarify that if we have mentioned one thing in individual 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, workforce members may 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 to your workforce. They will know precisely the way to strategy duties, the way to talk with you and the way to align their work along with your expectations. Everybody is aware of what’s anticipated of them, which reduces the probabilities of misunderstandings and makes it simpler to get issues accomplished.
Plus, setting clear expectations helps construct belief. When your workforce is aware of that you have 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 workforce 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 the way our groups function and the way folks talk with one another. By creating and sharing your “Methods to Work With Me” handbook, you are not simply clarifying your individual preferences — you are additionally encouraging others to do the identical. This may result in a extra open, clear work atmosphere the place everybody feels comfy sharing their very own working types.
Think about if each workforce member had their very own “methods to work with me” information. It might normalize discussions about particular person wants, preferences and dealing types, fostering a tradition of mutual respect and understanding. When persons are open about how they work finest, groups can collaborate extra successfully and lean on one another’s strengths.
For instance, some workforce members may choose detailed written directions, whereas others may choose verbal communication. Understanding these preferences might help in assigning duties, organizing conferences and structuring workflows. Encouraging your workforce to create their very own manuals additionally promotes self-awareness, requiring them to mirror on their very own working types and talk them successfully.
What to incorporate
When creating your “Methods to Work With Me” handbook, take into consideration the important thing features of your working model that might impression your workforce. For instance, my profile consists of sensible particulars like how and once 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 think about together with sections about your communication model, typical work hours, expectations from direct studies, management model, the way you construction your day, the way you wish to run conferences and anything that might 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 checks. Including a “human” factor to your management might help your workforce join with you on a extra private stage.
If you happen to assume your teammates — and particularly your direct studies — already know this details about you, I encourage you to write down it out. You is likely to be stunned by what you find out about your self and the way a lot readability it brings to your workforce!
Associated: Why Self-Reflection and Self-Consciousness Are Very important Expertise for Any Entrepreneur
