How Natalie is using her Manual of Me
Why are you using Manual of Me in your practice, why do you think it’s a powerful tool/framework/concept?
I started using Manual of Me for a few reasons that ultimately led me to needing a way to effectively communicate my needs and personality traits.
I was going through my ADHD diagnosis process and understanding more about my neurodivergence, whilst working for a manager that was uneducated and unequipped in managing neurodivergent people. I had become burned out from the process of educating that manager whilst trying to support myself so, when I left that role, I came away with worries that my next management relationship would mirror this. Spoiler alert – it was completely different!
I came across Manual of Me in a community (People Geeks from Culture AMP) and instantly resonated with the platform, feeling like I’d finally found a way to share my communication style and general needs.
How are you currently using it, and in what contexts/settings?
I gave access to both my manager and colleague in my team when I first started, especially as we’re a distributed team (across London and Manchester) so wouldn’t have the immediate opportunity to speak in person and learn each other’s communication, working etc styles.
What benefits have you seen from using the concept? If there are tangible / concrete examples, results or outcomes, feel free to share where you can.
For me, it gave me almost a safety blanket when trying to communicate and the opportunity for my manager to reflect on the words and digest them.
Especially as before when communicating my needs to a manager, it had been a process of over explaining that I didn’t need micromanagement, just consideration around the format of meetings, tasks or feedback conversations.
My manager appreciated the opportunity to almost, get to know me quicker so we could implement methods that work and get the most out of our relationship up front, rather than go through the testing process.
What advice would you give to someone considering using the Manual of Me for the first time? Are there any potential pitfalls to look out for?
Personally, I would recommend filling it out twice.
The first time, just word vomit – write everything that comes up when you consider the question.
The second time, start to refine into actionable points.
If the purpose of your document is to allow another person to not only understand who you are but to also adapt their way of working or interacting with you, it’s helpful to give them pointers on potential actions they can take, that are clearly defined.
Also remember it’s a process of self-discovery too! It might ask you questions about yourself you haven’t considered so, give yourself the time and space to first understand you before getting it down ‘on paper’.