Personal User Manual

How I work best

• Environment: I do my best work in quiet, low-stimulus environments with minimal distractions. I’m highly sensitive to noise and visual chaos, so I’ve created a workspace that supports deep focus and flexibility. I use a sit/stand desk, noise-cancelling headset, and work in natural light with regular movement breaks.
• Daily Rhythm: I start my days with a short walk and check-in with my calendar. I use time-boxing and scheduling tools to create structure. My ideal day includes a few hours of focused work, a midday break (often for a run), and then another block of deep work in the afternoon. I take breaks when I need them and value autonomy in managing my time.
• Working Style: I thrive with clear instructions, shared goals, and regular check-ins. I’m someone who loves independence and feedback: I don’t want to be micromanaged, but I do want to stay aligned. I’m energized by meaningful collaboration and doing work that has a real impact.
• Values in Action:
  • Freedom: I love designing my schedule and working with flexibility and purpose.
  • Order: I appreciate when teams have solid agreements and expectations in place.
  • Relatedness: I like to care about the people I work with. It’s never just a “job.”

Communication Preferences

• Async first, but human-centered: I strongly prefer asynchronous written communication for most things. It gives me time to process and helps me keep track of details. I receive hundreds of messages a year, and email or written chat (Slack, etc.) helps me stay organised and accountable.
• Feedback: I prefer giving feedback in writing with the option to follow up in conversation. I respond well to positive reinforcement. Public praise and frequent encouragement motivate me (I’m like a puppy that way!).
• Meetings: I generally avoid meetings unless there’s a clear purpose. I much prefer video calls to voice-only calls (I like seeing who I’m speaking with), but I understand that not everyone feels the same way; I can flex when needed.
• Tools: I’m versed in almost every communication tool out there (I’m a tool junkie). That said, I don’t enjoy using Microsoft Teams (but of course, I will when required).

How my brain works

This is a snapshot of how I process the world: what energises me, what I struggle with, and what makes me a uniquely valuable team member.

Cognitive traits

• I’m extremely creative, with a deep need for intellectual stimulation. I often connect ideas that others don’t see.
• I’m a pattern recogniser, a systems thinker, and someone who prefers depth over speed.
• I have a strong sense of justice and care deeply about fairness and integrity in my work.

Interpersonal style

• I’m the glue that holds teams together. I notice when people are left out, and I make sure everyone is seen.
• I value personal connections, but I don’t need a lot of social interaction outside of work to feel close to people.
• I get invested in shared agreements; when others don’t follow through, it’s frustrating for me.

Processing & preferences

• I’m sensitive to moods and environmental stimuli: background noise, disorganisation, or bad vibes affect me more than most.
• I don’t like sitting still for long and need to move regularly.
• I take time to think things through. I’m not the fastest responder, but my contributions are thoughtful and often connect disparate dots.