open · Team Building, Communication, Onboarding · 90 min · 3-10 people · low energy
My User Manual
The My User Manual activity fosters understanding and collaboration by having team members create and share personal guides outlining their work styles, communication preferences, and values. This promotes clearer expectations and reduces potential misunderstandings within the team.
When to use My User Manual
Use this method when onboarding new team members, initiating projects requiring close collaboration, or addressing communication challenges within a team to foster a more understanding and productive work environment.
What it solves
Misunderstandings arising from differing work styles and communication preferences, leading to conflict and reduced productivity.
How to run My User Manual, step by step
- (30 min) Before the session, have each team member complete a personal user manual using a provided template or their own format. Encourage them to focus on aspects they're comfortable sharing.
- (5 min) Gather the team, either in person or via video conference with screen sharing capabilities. Emphasize the activity's purpose: to support each other's ideal working conditions.
- (30-60 min) Each team member shares their user manual, answering questions from the team. Ensure a safe space where members feel comfortable sharing.
- (Ongoing) Archive the user manuals in a shared location (e.g., Confluence, shared drive) for easy access by current and future team members.
Materials needed
- User manual template (digital or physical)
- Video conferencing platform with screen sharing (for remote teams)
- Meeting space (for in-person teams)
- Digital collaboration tool (e.g., Confluence, shared drive)
Facilitator tips
- Emphasize that participation is voluntary and that team members should only share what they feel comfortable with.
- Encourage team members to personalize their user manuals with their own style and personality.
Common pitfalls
- Team members feeling pressured to share personal information they're not comfortable with. Address this by emphasizing the voluntary nature of the activity and the safe space.
- User manuals becoming outdated. Schedule regular reviews and updates to ensure they remain relevant.
Variations
- For a shorter session, focus on key areas like working hours, communication preferences, and learning styles.
- Incorporate personality assessments (e.g., DiSC, Myers-Briggs) to provide additional insights into team members' working styles.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a shared document or collaborative whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural for team members to access and share their user manuals.
What it produces
A collection of personal user manuals, accessible to the team, outlining individual work styles, preferences, and values.
Origin
Adapted from Atlassian — source
Build a session around My User Manual
METODIC places My User Manual inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.