Personal README
Engineering-style user guide
README.md format for documenting individual collaboration preferences
Purpose
Tech-friendly format for sharing work style and communication needs
Training Enrichment
Core Insight
A Personal README is a powerful tool for setting clear expectations and fostering transparent communication in professional relationships.
Real-World Challenge
Imagine you're a new team leader at a tech company, joining an existing team during a high-stakes project. Tensions are high, deadlines are looming, and you notice a lack of communication and misunderstandings about roles and expectations. Without a clear way to express your work style and preferences, your team's inefficiencies and frustrations continue to grow.
Actionable Guidance
- 1Identify key elements of your work style and communication preferences, such as preferred communication channels, decision-making processes, and feedback reception.
- 2Draft your Personal README, focusing on clarity and brevity. Use headers like 'How I Work', 'Communication Preferences', and 'What I Value' to organize your thoughts.
- 3Share your Personal README with your team and encourage them to create their own. Use it as a starting point for open discussions about collaboration and expectations.
- 4If you notice a communication breakdown, refer to your README to realign and address any discrepancies immediately.
- 5Regularly update your README to reflect changes in your work style or priorities, especially after major projects or role changes.
Coaching Prompts
- ?What are the three most important aspects of your work style that others should know?
- ?How could misunderstandings about your preferences impact your team's performance?
- ?In what scenarios might you need to update or revisit your Personal README?
Application Drill(5 minutes)
Spend 5 minutes writing a paragraph on 'How I Prefer to Communicate' in your Personal README. Focus on specific channels, frequency, and tone.
Success Criteria:
- ✓Includes specific communication channels (e.g., email, Slack, video calls).
- ✓Mentions frequency and tone preferences (e.g., daily updates, concise messages).
Examples
- •Engineering leader onboarding
- •Product team building empathy
- •Remote IC introducing self
Exercises
- 1Write Your README (60 min): Complete all sections-how you work, communicate, what you value, how to support you
- 2Team Exchange: Share READMEs with new collaborators within first week of working together
- 3Manager-Report Pairing: Have managers and direct reports exchange READMEs and discuss alignment/gaps
- 4Onboarding Integration: Make README sharing a standard part of your onboarding process for all new relationships
Tags
Related Artifacts
Expected Outcomes
- ✓Practical Readme for immediate implementation
- ✓Consistent application of best practices
- ✓A written structure to agree expectations
- ✓Enhanced effectiveness through tested approach
Authors
Target Audience
Duration
30-60 minutes
Difficulty
beginner
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