Work is 90% communication and 10% trying not to lose patience over misunderstandings.
Have you ever had a coworker who floods you with emails when a simple Slack message would suffice?
Or a manager who loves last-minute meetings that could have been an email?
Or worse, someone who takes three days to answer a simple yes or no question?
Misaligned expectations = Frustration.
The solution? Create a How to Work With Me Guide.
At Q2BSTUDIO, where we offer development and technology services, we understand that effective communication is key to any team's success. Here we show you how to create your own personal manual so people know how to collaborate with you before frustration sets in.
How to Work With Me Guide: Set Expectations Before They Overwhelm You
Work would be much smoother if others knew exactly what you need:
- The best way to communicate with you
- How you make decisions
- What things irritate you (so they can avoid them)
At Q2BSTUDIO we foster clear and open communication to avoid unnecessary obstacles. Instead of expecting others to decipher your way of working, explain it to them from the start.
Step 1: Communication Preferences
Do you prefer short messages? Detailed emails? Voice notes?
- Best way to contact me: Slack, email, or something else?
- Response time: Do you reply instantly or check messages a few times a day?
- When NOT to contact me: Evenings, weekends, during lunch?
Example: I check Slack every morning and after lunch, I don't expect immediate replies. For important matters, send me an email. And please, no long audio messages.
Step 2: Decision Making
Do you rely on intuition, data, or need time to reflect?
- What I need to decide: Key points, a spreadsheet, a quick presentation?
- Time it takes me to decide: Immediately, a few hours, a day?
Example: I make decisions quickly if I have clear options. If you send me a very long email, I'll ignore it.
Step 3: Work Style
- Meeting management: Daily check-ins, weekly, or only necessary meetings?
- Preferred work style: Collaborative or individual work?
Example: I concentrate best when I work alone for long periods. If you need me, send a message before scheduling a meeting.
Step 4: What Irritates Me
- Biggest distraction for me:
- If you want to drive me crazy, do this:
Example: If you schedule a meeting without a clear objective, I'll fake a connection issue and disconnect.
Step 5: Personal Aspects
- Some facts about me: Favorite coffee, pets, hobbies?
- What keeps me sane outside of work:
Example: I drink three cups of coffee before noon and yes, I'm addicted. If I'm not online, I'm probably at the gym or eating tacos.
How to Use This Guide
Once you have it, share it.
- Add it to your onboarding documentation
- Send it to new collaborators
- Share it on Slack when welcoming someone new
Or simply use it to get to know yourself better and reduce unnecessary stress.
At Q2BSTUDIO we believe that many workplace frustrations come from poor communication. If you improve this, all work becomes easier.
Final Thought
If you don't tell people how to work with you, they will assume things... and those assumptions will probably be wrong.
Save time and hassle by setting expectations from the start.
The best work relationships begin with clarity, and clarity begins with you.
At Q2BSTUDIO we work to optimize processes and facilitate teamwork through technology and effective communication.
