Writing your own Operations Manuals
Why and how to pen a manual to self with instructions and insights into who you are, how you work and how others can best work with you.
I was gifted a lovely mug - it’s branded, has a nice cork bottom on it, and comes with instructions on how to use it, wash it, and drink from it (!). We live in a world where a lot of things come with “how to” guides yet the practice of having one for us humans (arguably one of the most complicated working mechanisms) isn’t that common.
I first came across the concept whilst listening to an interview with the epic Adam Grant who has a manual that he shares with his new collaborators to help them get the most out of him and ensure their collaboration is a productive one.
I’ve recently run a coaching workshop centred on the idea that has proven a great way to drive not only great insights on how to work better together (much needed as it seems we are re-evaluating work and collaboration practices weekly in this hybrid world we find ourselves in) but also a great tool for self-reflection and self-coaching.
So, what is a “user manual to self”?
It’s a guide that help someone get to know your working style, preferences and offers general insights about you as a human, worker, colleague, friend.
Why it’s useful
It can help shorten the time it takes to figure out an optimal rhythm of work with new colleagues. It’s an awesome technique to check in with yourself on who you are, what you are working on, and where you need to work on.
How to create one
What to include
Work insights:
Optimal work conditions, working hours, approach to meetings
What do you need to do your best work?
OKRs, goals and metrics that matter to you
About your organization – how would you describe your team?
Samples of your work – what are you most proud of?
Interpersonal insights:
What are the best/worst ways to communicate with you?
What are your online meeting practices: camera on/off, staying on top of meeting chat, etc?
What are your 1-3 core values in life (Check out Brene Brown’s work on this)?
When and how you do your best work when?
How do you like to give/receive feedback?
How do you signal to others that you need support?
What’s the best way to get your buy-in?
What might others misunderstand about you?
What gives you energy at work? What drains you at work?
General insights:
Your skills and languages. What skill(s) are you actively working on right now?
Favourite books, quotes, songs, weather, colour, food, etc.
Fun facts and ideas that blow your mind
If you were an animated gif / meme / animal / song / vegetable / fruit / country / season, I would be...
Are you a night owl/morning riser
Other insights like Myers Briggs, Four Tendencies
Where and how to share it
I have seen people publish their guides on GitHub, on their websites and as LinkedIn articles. My own manual is a Substack post.
I have a shortcut URL for it that I’ve added to my Teams status so anyone in my organisation can check it out.
I’ve also added a link to my LinkedIn profile.
Make it even better
Ask your colleagues to review it - are your reflections matching their experience of working with you?
Dos and Don’ts
DO revisit, finetune, evolve your manual to self. I schedule 2 - 3 hours every 4 months to do just that.
DO be kind and understanding when reading and getting access to your colleague’s manual.
DON’T use the manual as an excuse or a shortcut to developing a genuine human relationship and understanding. Every day is different, we have good and bad days and what’s in our guides to self tends to be generalised insights.
DON’T weaponize it - writing one and expecting someone to read it and follow it will lead to disappointment. Don’t tell people off when they don’t follow your insights to getting the most out of you.