Template for a ‘working with me guide’ which can be useful to fill and out share with colleagues

Role and focus

• What do I do?
• Where can I add value?

Working style

• How I prefer to work
• Approach to
  • decision making
  • pace
  • detail

Communication preferences

• How to reach (medium/media of communication)
• What works best in meetings/emails
• Response time

What I value in others

• Behaviours/qualities I appreciate in colleagues and teams

Things to avoid

• What does not work well when working with me

How I will support you

• What others can expect from me as a colleague/leader

Example: HR leader persona

Role and focus

I lead the HR function, focusing on strategy, culture, and building capability.

Working style

I like clear objectives upfront and prefer open, direct communication. I like time to reflect so I can give a well thought through opinion. I like to co-create things once I have had time to do my own thinking. I like scope to come up with my own way of doing things.

Communication preferences

Best way to reach me: Teams for quick questions, email for decisions.

What I value in others

Proactivity, transparency, and constructive challenge. Sharing the full picture and involving me in decision making.

Things to avoid

Last-minute surprises without context. Rushing me into giving a point of view on the spot. Only telling me half of the story. Being prescriptive on how something should be done.

How I will support you

I’ll give you honest feedback, advocate for your growth, and create clarity where possible.

Example: technology consultant persona

Role and focus

I am the capability lead for ML (machine learning) and GenAI, so I focus on this area in terms of technology. I work across sectors, with more experience in: finance, markets/banking, insurance and airlines

Working style

I like to find agreement on what we’re doing and then do it. I aim to — with others — monotonically deliver value

Communication preferences

I am in the office most days so available in person if you are also in the office. Otherwise Teams/email as required

What I value in others

Proactivity e.g. being able to do a bit of research when needed, competence and a willingness to get stuck in

Things to avoid

I particularly dislike having my time wasted — as Steve Jobs liked to say, time is the most important finite resource

How I will support you

If you work with me, I will aim to have one or both of us enhance our performance while we work towards a shared goal. I also try to maintain positive energy