There is an 'I' in Team… And it’s you.
If you don't know your own strengths and weaknesses, how can you expect to collaborate and/or lead effectively?
How many times have you found yourself frustrated with a team member, only to realise later that the issue was more about your own working style than theirs?
Teams are gatherings of individuals that need alignment, meaningful roles and recognition of their input.
Could it be that you are the bottleneck in your team's collaboration?
If this feels triggering, there might just be some truth in it. Explore that discomfort.
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective collaboration.
"Be easy to work with."
Being easy to work with is the underrated career advice that very few appear to take.
But how can you be easy to work with if you don't even know how to work with yourself?
You-ser manual
To begin this journey of self-awareness, start by creating your own "Personal User Manual." Just in your head, you don’t need a wire-o bound, laminated tome. A few principles, that describe how you work best.
This isn't just an exercise in navel-gazing – it's a practical tool that can transform how you interact with your team.
Here are some questions to get you started:
When do you feel at your productive best?
Are you an early bird who gets the most done before noon, or do you hit your stride in the late afternoon?What is your preferred communication style?
Do you thrive on face-to-face interactions, or do you prefer written communication?What conditions do you need for optimal work?
Do you need a quiet space, or do you work best in a bustling environment?
By answering these questions, you create a manual that helps others understand how to work with you most effectively. More importantly, it helps you understand your own work habits and preferences.
Reflection Exercise
Take some time today to create your You-ser Manual. Be honest with yourself – this is for your benefit.
Once you have completed it, share it with your team.
Go first. Putting something out there that shows self-awareness and even vulnerability is a great way to set the stage for psychological safety. More on that in future articles in this series.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but transparency fosters trust and opens the door to more effective collaboration.
There is no failure, only feedback
Once you've shared your You-ser Manual with your team, ask for feedback.
Encourage your team members to create and share their own manuals.
This exercise not only boosts self-awareness but also enhances mutual understanding within the team. It's a simple yet powerful step towards more effective collaboration.
Effective collaboration doesn't start in the boardroom or the team meeting. It starts with you. With knowing yourself. With radical responsibility.
This applies equally to everyone who needs to collaborate in their day to day activities.
By taking the time to understand your own working style and sharing that knowledge with your team, you lay the foundation for truly productive collaboration.
So, are you ready to look in the mirror and ask the tough questions?
Are you inspired to take your collaboration to the next level? Let's have a conversation. Book a call with me today to explore how we can transform how you collaborate for good.
