Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,035 - August 21, 2024

Humans. They can be a tad confounding, am I right? If only, and I have said this often, humans came with an operating manual or set of instructions. 

Now it may not be as thorough as your car's operating manual, but in my lemon-scented book, "Small Moments, Big Outcomes," I write about the idea of how leaders might consider creating a leadership profile or mini manifesto that outlines their leadership style and approach to work.  

On a similar note, Abby Falik speaks about the idea of leaders creating a user manual for themselves. But why limit this to just the leaders? Use Falik's four questions below to help everyone on your team create a user manual so everyone can gain a deeper appreciation of everyone's work style:   

1. What gives you energy and what depletes you of your energy? 
2. What's your preferred means of communication? Phone? Text? Email? Interpretive dance? 
3. What are your pet peeves? 
4. What do people tend to misunderstand about you? 

You can, of course, modify this or add more questions. I for one would add a fun safety warning for everyone, for example: "Please don't approach or attempt any form of communication with me until I've had at least one cup of coffee."