A personal user manual is a one-page tool to let others know how we work.
This is a powerful way to articulate our strengths.
Our working style.
And what others can expect when collaborating with us.
Think of it as a quick-reference guide on how you engage with the world.
Here’s a step-by-step process to create your personal user manual:
1. Define Your Purpose
Why do you want a personal user manual?
Is it to help colleagues understand you better?
To reflect on your own strengths and working style?
Start with clarity on the purpose to guide the tone and content.
Example: “My personal user manual is a tool to encourage better collaboration and alignment with my peers by highlighting how I work best and how I can support others.”
2. Outline the Core Sections
Structure your manual in a way that’s clear and easy to navigate.
A simple, one-page format works best.
Use these key sections:
- About Me: Personality, values, and key strengths.
- What I Bring to the Table: Unique skills, talents, and contributions.
- How I Work: Work style, communication preferences, and decision-making approach.
- When I’m at My Best: Chronotype, energy levels, and peak productivity times.
- What I Need to Thrive: Environment, feedback, or support that you need.
- What You Can Expect From Me: How you engage and the value you add to a team.
- How to Work With Me: Tips for effective collaboration, including dos and don’ts.
3. Gather Insights
Take time to reflect and collect input. Consider these questions:
- Strengths: What are my top CliftonStrengths or other strengths-based assessments?
- Feedback: What do others frequently praise me for at work? Look back at reviews.
- Self-Awareness: What do I know about my working style? (e.g., “I thrive in structured environments with clear goals.”)
- Challenges: What should people know about my quirks or potential blind spots?
- Energy Patterns: When do I feel most energized and focused? Are there specific times of day when I’m most productive?
4. Be Clear and Succinct
Keep each section concise.
Aim for short, one-line sentences or bullet points.
Make content approachable and authentic—this is about connecting, not perfection.
Example:
- How I Work: “I’m a strategic thinker who loves solving complex problems. I value structure but enjoy exploring creative ideas.”
- When I’m at My Best: “Morning hours are when I’m most focused and creative. Afternoons are better for collaboration and routine tasks.”
- How to Work With Me: “Be direct and transparent. I appreciate clear timelines and regular check-ins.”
5. Make It Visual
Use a clean, professional design to organize your content. Consider:
- Headings and subheadings for easy navigation.
- Icons or simple visuals to add personality.
- A consistent color palette and font style to reflect your personal brand.
6. Test and Refine
Share a draft with trusted colleagues or friends. Ask for feedback:
- Does this represent how you experience working with me?
- Is anything missing or unclear?
- Does the tone feel authentic?
Incorporate their input to fine-tune your manual.
7. Keep It Up-to-Date
Your user manual should evolve with you.
Revisit and revise it annually or after major career or personal milestones.
Summary
Creating your personal user manual is a gift to yourself and those you work with.
The document fosters better relationships.
Reduces misunderstandings.
And sets the stage for impactful collaboration.
Once complete, don’t be afraid to share!
Your Turn
What do you think of the personal user manual?
Do you wish you had this type of document for those you work with?
How could a user manual help avoid misunderstandings?