Hola amigos,
My career progressed fairly quickly, from entrepreneur to Corporate Wellness Coach to Chief Wellness Officer. Over the years, I’ve learned something crucial:
High performing teams aren’t just built on technical skills. They’re built on communication, empathy, and vulnerability.
And let’s be real, when communication isn’t flowing, it doesn’t just affect projects, it affects people. It creates frustration, burnout, and leaves us feeling disconnected.
But here’s the thing:
We can change that. We can transform the way our teams communicate, and it starts with us leading with empathyand vulnerability.
Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s actually a superpower. When we show up as our authentic selves, share our preferences, and invite others to do the same, we create an environment of trust. And trust is the foundation of every great team.
One of the simplest tools I’ve found to foster this kind of connection is the "Work With Me" Manual, created by the genius leader Claire Hughes Johnson when she joined Stripe. I first learned about it through the newsletter "The Quiet Rich" by Jade Bonacolta.
What is the "Work With Me" Manual?
It’s a tool that encourages your team to share their personal preferences, how they like to communicate, receive feedback, and structure their day.
This is about creating a team culture where everyone is aligned and understands each other’s needs. It’s like setting clear rules for how to best work together.
When we lead with empathy and vulnerability, we allow our teams to feel safe and heard. And that’s when the magic happens.
How to Implement the "Work With Me" Manual
In your next team meeting, ask everyone to answer these 6 questions.
Lead by example, share your own answers first to set the tone.
How do you prefer to be reached?
Do you like quick texts, emails, or phone calls for complex topics? Knowing this makes communication more efficient.
How do you prefer to receive feedback?
Some people want direct feedback immediately, while others need time to process. Aligning on this prevents uncomfortable moments.
When are you at your best?
Are you a morning person or an afternoon person? Understanding this helps you schedule meetings when people are most productive.
What’s your ideal meeting style?
Some prefer structured agendas, others like brainstorming sessions. Knowing this makes meetings more productive and engaging.
What drains your energy the fastest?
Is it constant meetings or interruptions? Understanding what exhausts your team helps prevent burnout.
What personal skills are you working on?
This opens up space for growth and empathy, allowing team members to support each other.
Putting It All Together
Once everyone shares their answers, compile them into a shared document. This document becomes your team’s go to guide, a reference everyone can turn to when needed. Over time, it helps build a culture of vulnerability, openness, and trust.
Why This Works
Leading with empathy and vulnerability creates a space where everyone feels safe. When team members understand each other’s preferences, communication becomes smoother, and collaboration becomes easier. People feel heard, respected, and empowered to do their best work.
This exercise not only saves time and reduces misunderstandings, it builds a team culture based on empathy and trust.
Leading Like Nayla Al Khaja
Let’s look at someone like Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female filmmaker. She’s not just breaking barriers in the film industry, she’s creating a culture where everyone can thrive, both personally and professionally.
Nayla is transparent about her priorities, her needs, and her boundaries. In this episode she explains how she fosters trust, respect, and collaboration within her team.
Try the "Work With Me" Manual in your next meeting, and see how it transforms your team dynamics.
That’s it for today, enjoy the episode.
Hasta la vista!
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