Working with Me Doc: How to Craft One

November 9, 2023

An image of a young woman wearing headphones and speaking into a computer on her lap, overlaid with icons representing work elements like a document, an hourglass, and a mouse cursor.

Are you ready to take a deep dive into the world of “Working with Me” docs? Think of it as the user manual you never knew you needed—full of your quirks, preferences, and all the jazz that makes you, well, YOU!

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What’s a 'Working with Me' Doc? 🤔

A “Working with Me” doc, also known as a “Manual of Me” or “personal README,” is like your professional avatar. It’s a guide created by you, for your colleagues, to understand how you roll. It’s your way of saying, “Hey, this is how I work best, and here’s how we can create awesome things together!”

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The Anatomy of Your Doc 📝

Wondering what magic ingredients go into making this doc? Here’s a little recipe for you:

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1. Your Work Style:

‍Prompt: How do you approach tasks and projects?‍
Example: “I’m a list lover! I break my tasks into smaller chunks and love ticking them off!”

2. Communication Preferences:

‍Prompt: How do you prefer to communicate?‍
Example: “I’m an email enthusiast but don’t mind a quick Slack message for urgent matters.”

3. Feedback Style:

‍Prompt: How do you like to give and receive feedback?‍
Example: “I prefer constructive feedback with specific examples. I usually give feedback in a sandwich method.”

4. Stress Triggers & Management:

‍Prompt: What stresses you out, and how do you deal with it?‍
Example: “Last-minute changes frazzle me, but a quick walk and some deep breaths help me recalibrate.”

5. Motivations & Energizers:

‍Prompt: What motivates you and energizes you at work?‍
Example: “Tackling challenging projects pumps me up! Also, coffee. Lots of coffee.”

6. Areas for Growth:

‍Prompt: What are you looking to improve or learn?‍
Example: “I’m diving into learning more about UX design and enhancing my multitasking skills.”

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Unveiling the Benefits 🎉

So, you’ve put your soul (not really, but kind of) into this doc, but how does it elevate our ever-so-exciting startup culture? Let’s unravel this:

1. Boosts Understanding:

Having a “Working with Me” doc is like giving your team a peek into your brain (scary, but helpful!). It fosters understanding and sets the stage for smoother interactions.

2. Reduces Friction:‍

When team members know each other’s preferences and triggers, it minimizes misunderstandings and boosts the harmony levels. It’s like having your jam session in sync!

3. Enhances Communication:‍

When we know each other’s communication styles, it's easier to get the message across. It's like speaking the same language, leading to less lost-in-translation moments!

4. Cultivates Empathy:‍

Sharing our quirks and preferences builds a culture of respect and empathy. It's like knowing everyone’s favorite snack and avoiding the ones they're allergic to!

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Making It Work in a Remote Setting 🌐

In our dynamic virtual world, a “Working with Me” doc is like your digital twin. It helps in creating a virtual environment that’s brimming with respect and positivity. It’s particularly crucial when face-to-face interactions are limited, and we rely on written communication, making it essential to be clear about our preferences and styles.

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Wrapping It Up! 🌟

There’s A LOT that goes into a working with me doc. We make it super easy with a Candor profile, which is the easiest way to make a beautiful, informative working with me doc to share with your teammates.

Creating a “Working with Me” doc is like writing the script of your professional persona. It’s your way of contributing to a culture that’s transparent, empathetic, and uber-cool!