Writing Your Personal User Manual
There are a number of resources to help you begin to craft your personal user manual and I’ve read most of them then put them to the test in order to craft my recommended approach.
A Structure for Reflection
I find that having a structure and series of prompts to start with encourages deep thought and reflection, though I’d encourage you to leave room for flexibility, responding to the questions that speak to you the most and not getting tied up in a particular structure. This is your document!
This Google Doc provides you with some prompts to get started. When considering these questions, look for clues in assessments you have done in the past such as Myers Briggs or DiSC, in addition to looking back at feedback or performance reviews received.
I’ve created a shared document of prompts to get you started writing your user manual
Value the Process + Make It Collaborative
The process of writing and iterating the user manual is as valuable as the outcome because sharing your work-in-progress with others helps you learn more about yourself. By discussing with others, you end up shining a light in corners you don’t normally look at. Ultimately, it gives you a well-rounded picture of yourself while also presenting an opportunity to discover connections with others or recognize differences where you might have assumed similarities.
Personalize It
The flexibility of the document allows for personal expression, providing a layer of information about you that sits above the writing itself. Even if you choose to use presentation slides, the imagery and style can represent your personality. However, you might experiment with making it even more visual by turning it into a diagram, or more dynamic by recording it as a video.
Share It!
In the end you’ll benefit from documenting and articulating about yourself in a way that’s shareable with others. The first step is to understand about you… and then it’s important to share that with others!
If you’re sure how you’d use a User Manual, see my article on The Value of the Personal User Manual or check out my Events page to join a workshop that will guide you through the process with a supportive community of peers.