You know that old saying, “Different strokes for different folks”? 🖌️
Well, that’s true for teamwork, too. Just like there’s no one-size-fits-all for jeans, there’s no universal approach to working with people.
That’s where a “How to Work With Me” or “Manual of Me” document comes in. It’s a personal user manual for your collaborators.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed fitting into a new team or want to improve your teamwork skills, a “How to Work With Me” document could be just what you need. 💡
Creating this document might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think! A few key details can significantly enhance your working relationships, and we’ll guide you through the simple steps to get started.
- What Is a “How to Work With Me” Document?
- What Are the Benefits of Using a “How to Work With Me” Document?
- How to Create a “Working With Me” Document
- 1. Understand the purpose of the document
- 2. Start with your communication style
- 3. Mention your work hours and availability
- 4. Clarify your decision-making process
- 5. Outline your approach to feedback
- 6. Define your collaboration style
- 7. Include your boundaries and preferences
- 8. Make it a living document
- How to Work With Me templates by ClickUp
What Is a “How to Work With Me” Document?
A “How to Work With Me” document is a personalized guide that details your working style, communication preferences, and collaboration expectations.
Unlike the traditional approach of learning someone’s preferences over time, a “How to Work With Me” document:
- Clarifies your work preferences, helping colleagues and teams align more effectively with your processes
- Helps colleagues, managers, and teams understand in-person interactions, leading to improved workflows and stronger professional relationships
- Offers clear guidelines for engagement, fostering a more harmonious and efficient working environment
In short, a “How to Work With Me” document is a cheat sheet that helps your team understand your work habits, communication style, and priorities. 📚
What Are the Benefits of Using a “How to Work With Me” Document?
Now, let’s explore the benefits of this user guide, highlighting how it can improve individual interactions and team performance.
Improved communication
A “How to Work With Me” document is designed as a place for you to outline communication preferences.
For example, do you prefer email for structured conversations, or are you more comfortable with informal messages over chat platforms?
When you share your communication style, it helps your team choose the best channels, making collaboration smoother and more effective!
By specifying your preferred communication methods—like channels, response times, and update frequency—you remove the guesswork. Your team will know exactly how and when to reach you, reducing delays and misunderstandings.
💡Pro Tip: Effective communication is vital in any team, and to enhance this aspect, explore communication strategies that resonate with your style.
Reduced onboarding time
Understanding how people work when starting a new job or joining a new team takes time and can be overwhelming.
However, a “How to Work With Me” document provides essential information upfront, helping them acclimate to their roles. This significantly reduces onboarding time for both the employee and the manager.
📌 For example, your manager’s “Work With Me” document reveals that they prefer project updates through a shared document and to hold weekly 1-on-1 meetings for in-depth discussions. Knowing they provide constructive feedback privately helps you adjust your communication style and seek support more effectively, speeding up your onboarding and strengthening your relationship.
Aligned expectations
This personal user guide also helps you and your team members set clear expectations about work hours, deliverables, and deadlines.
📌 For instance, if you typically work from 9 AM to 5 PM and require uninterrupted focus time from 10 AM to noon for deep work, include this in the template to avoid any misunderstandings with your team.
It ensures everyone knows when and how to approach you. This transparency prevents burnout and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
More productive meetings
How often have you sat through online meetings, wondering if everyone is aligned?
The “How to Work With Me” document clarifies how to best interact with you during meetings. It also tells the team about your preferred meeting format and engagement styles.
📌 For example, if you favor visual presentations over lengthy discussions, your colleagues can prepare accordingly. This alignment keeps everyone focused and ensures meetings are efficient and actionable.
By promoting clear communication, you build trust. Documenting your feedback preferences and decision-making approach makes team members feel more comfortable collaborating with you, reducing tension and fostering strong relationships
When you offer a transparent view of your work style and preferences, you reduce potential friction and cultivate mutual respect. Over time, this clarity builds trust and enhances team cohesion.
💡 Pro Tip: Conducting a research and market review of other successful companies (and how they create these guides) can provide valuable insights and inspiration for structuring your own user guide.
How to Create a “Working With Me” Document
Creating a “How to Work With Me” document requires introspection and a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you define your working style.
1. Understand the purpose of the document
First, let’s clarify what this document is not. It’s not a list of demands on how to work precisely on your terms. Instead, it’s a guide to help others understand how they can collaborate with you successfully and more effectively.
It’s intended as a form of proactive communication designed to avoid misunderstandings, increase productivity, and nurture team relationships.
Ultimately, the “Work With Me” document provides transparency. It answers key questions that a new team member or collaborator might have, such as:
- What’s your preferred communication style?
- How do you give and receive positive and negative feedback?
- What are your work hours or focus times?
- How do you make decisions?
Answering these questions removes the confusion and ambiguity that often leads to conflict within teams.
Once you’ve reflected on your working style, it’s time to put your thoughts on paper. And here’s where ClickUp comes in! This powerful project management tool can make writing smoother and more organized.
With features like customizable templates and collaborative document editing, ClickUp allows you to create your “Working With Me” document efficiently while ensuring your insights are easily accessible to your team.
To start drafting your document, use ClickUp Docs. It’s not just another fancy editor; it’s a smart tool that helps you organize, manage, and communicate seamlessly. Here’s why it stands out.
- Clean and flexible: You can structure your document into sections like working hours and feedback preferences without messy formatting
- Real-time collaboration: Your team can jump in, comment, and contribute simultaneously—everyone pulls their weight
- Dynamic updates: As your work dynamics change (and they will), you can easily upgrade your document
- Integrated workflows: You can directly link tasks, projects, and goals to your document. This makes it an active part of your workflow instead of just another static guide
2. Start with your communication style
Communication is the core of any successful working relationship, and people communicate differently.
Some of us are straightforward and like to get straight down to business, while others appreciate more context or even small talk to break the ice.
But here’s the thing—what works for one person might be a nightmarish situation for another. That’s why starting with communication preferences in your document is critical.
What to include in the document:
- Preferred medium: Mention how you prefer your coworkers to communicate with you (text, email, call, etc.)
- Response times: State if you respond immediately or set aside specific times for messages
- Directness: Indicate if you prefer straightforward communication or a more nuanced approach
📌 Example: “I’m most responsive on messaging apps for quick chats and prefer email for anything that requires deep consideration, a detailed thinking process, or documentation. I usually check my inbox twice daily, so a quick message is better if it’s urgent.”
By doing so, you set clear expectations and avoid the back-and-forth guessing game that often occurs when communication styles are unclear.
3. Mention your work hours and availability
In a remote workplace, work hours vary drastically. 🌍
Some team members may work in a traditional 9–5 setting, while others may have more flexible schedules due to personal commitments or time zones.
Including your working hours makes it easier for colleagues to know when they can expect you to be online, reducing frustration when scheduling meetings or awaiting responses.
What to include:
- Core hours: When are you typically available for meetings or collaborative work?
- Focus time: Specify any dedicated focus hours where you prefer not to be disturbed
- Boundaries: If you’re available after hours for emergencies, define what constitutes an emergency. You can also mention how you prefer to handle asynchronous communication across time zones
📌 Example: “My working hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM. I reserve mornings, from 9 to 11 AM, for deep work, so I’m unavailable for meetings. Feel free to schedule meetings in the afternoons, post 12 PM ideally.”
4. Clarify your decision-making process
We all approach decisions differently. Some of us like to dive in, analyze data, and make quick decisions.
Others prefer to take their time, research, consult with team members, and reflect before making a choice. Outlining your decision-making process can help others understand how they can contribute to discussions and offer feedback that aligns with your style.
This is especially valuable for team leaders, project managers, product managers, and executives who must foster team collaboration and efficiency.
What to include:
- How you approach decisions: Outline whether you need all the facts before diving in or if you prefer to gather input from others. Some folks thrive on collaboration, while others like to make independent decisions without external influence
- Turnaround time: Specify if you make decisions quickly or require time to reflect before committing. Knowing your pace helps others understand how to engage with you during the decision-making process
📌 Example: “I prefer to have as much data and context as possible when making decisions, especially if they affect the team. While I can make quick decisions when needed, for most big-picture discussions, I appreciate 24–48 hours to reflect and consult with others.”
5. Outline your approach to feedback
This is a critical part of the document. Feedback can be tricky, especially in remote teams where body language and tone are easily misinterpreted.
By explaining how you prefer to give and receive feedback, you can avoid mix-ups and ensure that feedback is constructive and well-received.
What to include:
- Giving feedback: Do you dish out feedback on the spot, or do you prefer to save it for one-on-one meetings? Do you lean toward directness or take a more diplomatic route?
- Receiving feedback: When receiving feedback, do you appreciate directness or a more thoughtful, written approach? Don’t hesitate to mention if you need time to process feedback before responding.
📌 Example: “I believe in giving timely feedback, so you’ll usually hear from me during or shortly after a project if something needs improvement. As for receiving feedback, I prefer direct, actionable points via email or one-on-one.”
6. Define your collaboration style
Everyone collaborates in their own way.
Some love brainstorming in a group setting, while others prefer to work independently and reconvene for discussion. This helps people understand how to work with you on projects and in meetings.
What to include:
- Group vs. individual work: Do you like the chaos of group brainstorming, or do you prefer to noodle on ideas solo before presenting them? Let your team know what gets your creative juices flowing
- Meeting preferences: Are you a fan of frequent check-ins, or do you prefer to keep meetings to a minimum? Do you thrive in video calls, or would you instead communicate asynchronously?
📌 Example: “I prefer to work independently on the first draft of a project, then bring it to the team for feedback. Too many meetings can be disruptive, so I aim to keep them to once a week unless something urgent arises.”
And remember, honing your interpersonal and collaboration skills is key to ensuring great teamwork every time. After all, even the best ideas need a little help!
7. Include your boundaries and preferences
It’s essential also to highlight your personal preferences and boundaries.
Whether it’s your social interactions with your team or your approach to conflict resolution, such personal insights can provide a helpful framework for collaboration.
What to include:
- Social interactions: Do you thrive on chit-chat before diving into the nitty-gritty? Or do you prefer to cut straight to the chase? Let your team know what gets you in the zone
- Handling stress and conflict: When tensions rise, how do you respond? Do you tackle problems head-on or prefer a more measured, private approach? Sharing this can help your colleagues navigate tricky waters with you
Being clear about your communication style not only helps your team understand how to write messages to you but also fosters an environment where they can feel comfortable giving and receiving feedback.
📌 Example: “I appreciate a small talk at the start of meetings—it helps build rapport. However, I also value time efficiency, so I like to get into the agenda within the first 5–10 minutes. Regarding conflict, I prefer direct communication but always assume good intent.”
Remember that it never hurts to research and see what others are doing. By examining what’s working for others, you can gain inspiration and best practices to apply to your document.
💡 Pro Tip: Including specific examples of how you prefer to communicate can bridge cultural differences and enhance context awareness among team members.
For instance, if you have team members from cultures that prioritize formality, you might mention that you appreciate respectful greetings and proper titles in emails while also encouraging a casual tone in follow-up discussions. This clarity helps everyone understand your expectations and feel comfortable interacting in a way that aligns with their cultural norms.
8. Make it a living document
Finally, this document should evolve as you do. Work styles change, company cultures shift, and new challenges arise. 🔄
So, revisit and revise your “How to Work With Me” document regularly, especially if you’re moving into a new role or team. Keeping it up-to-date ensures it remains a relevant tool for improving communication and collaboration.
If drafting this document feels overwhelming, don’t worry—ClickUp Brain is here to help!
This AI tool can help you save a ton of time:
- Drafting made easy: Get insightful suggestions from ClickUp Brain to articulate your communication preferences clearly
- Positive feedback: Generate uplifting feedback and notes that resonate with your team using AI assistance
- Streamlined workflows: Automate tedious tasks like sending reminders for updates and gathering feedback, allowing you to focus on actual team collaboration and refining your document
- HR integration: Use ClickUp Brain within the ClickUp HR Management Platform to ensure everyone’s working style is respected and aligned with organizational goals
Would you prefer a pre-made document that you can quickly customize? ClickUp’s Work With Me templates—coming up next—can serve as a solid foundation.
How to Work With Me templates by ClickUp
We’ve got two templates to get you started: one for outlining your work style and the other for helping managers define how they prefer to work with their teams.
ClickUp Working With Me [Individual Contributor] Template
If you’re an individual contributor, you need the ClickUp Working With Me [Individual Contributor] Template.
Here’s the harsh truth: individual contributors often get buried in specialized tasks, and communication breakdowns are common.
Fact Check: A study found that various forms of poor communication cost U.S. companies $1.2 trillion annually in productivity losses. 📉
So, clarity is key if you want to avoid being part of that statistic.
This template lays out your work style, preferences, and expectations—essentially a rubric for your colleagues. So, outline your preferences with this template:
- Preferred work hours: Let others know when you’re available so they don’t interrupt your flow
- Communication style: Specify how you like to communicate—nobody wants to read a novel in an email
- Feedback preferences: Share how you prefer to receive feedback, ensuring it’s constructive and clear
In short, this template is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for anyone who wants to thrive in their role without feeling overwhelmed. So, stop procrastinating, download the template, and get it done. Your future self will thank you.
ClickUp Working With Me [Manager] Template
Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just starting out in management, you need the ClickUp Working With Me [Manager] Template. Why? Because managing a team can get chaotic.
You must balance work and handle different personalities, viewpoints, and work styles. So, if you want order and your team to thrive, you need to set clear expectations about how you operate.
This template enables you to:
- Set clear expectations: Outline how you operate and make decisions. When your team knows what to expect, they’ll feel more confident approaching you with questions or ideas
- Foster transparency: Documenting your preferences creates a culture of inclusivity and openness. No more guessing games about how to communicate with you!
- Improve feedback loops: Establish how you like to give and receive feedback. This isn’t just about avoiding awkward conversations; it’s about building a team that thrives on constructive criticism
ClickUp: Your Productivity and Collaboration Buddy
Creating a “how to work with me” document might feel as daunting as tackling that long-ignored sock drawer—it’s disorganized but easy to overlook. 🤔
But once you organize it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
This document is a powerful tool for enhancing workplace interactions. By sharing your communication style, availability, and feedback preferences, you empower your colleagues to collaborate effectively, building stronger trust-based relationships.
Remember, the purpose of a “how to work with me” document is to represent your current preference. So treat it as a living tool that evolves with your work style and team dynamics. Regular updates keep it relevant, and with ClickUp, drafting and maintaining it becomes seamless, letting you focus on achieving shared goals.
So, take that first step! Creating your “How to Work With Me” document will clarify your work relationships and boost your team’s productivity. Your future self—and your teammates—will thank you. 🙌
Sign up on ClickUp today! ✅