A user manual for working with me.

How to get the best out of me.

After much push from Dama and inspiration from Cassie, we’re doing user manuals in Chayn for staff, trustees and long-term volunteers. I’ve done a summary card above and detailed one below. The idea is that by explicitly saying what and how you like to work, we bring things into the open which are either misunderstood or unknown thus removing the friction of working in teams — especially distributed ones. Ours is truly global so we want to carve space for empathy, mistakes and fun.

You can find Cassie’s template for this here.

Conditions I like to work in

• I like a mix of quiet and vibrant working environments. If I’m trying to concentrate on a task, I find it hard to work alongside noise and distracting conversations.
• I love having a fixed desk but will move around different spaces during a day to give myself a different vibe.
• I need access to daylight, and a view. Though I can work without them, I naturally gravitate towards them as it helps me be creative. I also find fresh air calming.
• When I’m stuck for ideas, I like to go on a walk or work from a cafe for a short time. This gives my productivity a boost.

The times and hours I like to work

• I usually work 10am-2pm, 3–6pm and 10–11.45pm. I work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
• I like starting work at 10 or 11am as I wake up late, get ready, feed the cats and plants. I also try to go for a walk to kickstart my brain.
• My most productive hours are morning and evening. I try to do calls and emails in the afternoon, and leave creative and tasks that require focus in the productive hours.
• I don’t mind being contacted at any time.
• I don’t work on Saturdays.
• For my team and friends, my diary is open and accessible. If you want access to it, just ask. If you’re outside, see my calendly.

The best ways to communicate with me

• Whatsapp and Messenger are quickest ways to get a response from me. Slack and email come after this.
• I don’t mind jumping on a call or you calling me directly.
• I reply to emails very quickly. If you have not heard from me within a day, please follow up as either I’ve forgotten or mistakenly thought I’ve replied already. I love reminders.

The ways I like to receive feedback

• Direct, constructive feedback is much appreciated. I prefer reading difficult feedback in writing and then following up with a call if I request it.
• If you see any room for improvement in how I manage, work or communicate — please let me know as I would love to grow.
• Kind feedback is always preferred but you don’t need to tell me something is good when it isn’t.

Things I need

• I love open-minded and warm conversations.
• Discussions with negativity aren’t the best way to get my ideas.
• I like brainstorming, can think on my feet and give quick ideas but I prefer if there’s a loose agenda and purpose to discussions.
• Sometimes I need time to reflect and come back.
• Honesty, accountability and transparency.

Things I struggle with

• Unstructured, vague discussions or meetings or projects that don’t have a clear intention.
• I like critical thinking but being contrarian for the sake of it is soul-sucking.
• People not respecting time by either speaking too much or dominating a conversation.
• Project plans or coalitions that are so rigid and planned in advance that don’t leave any room for responsiveness. I find it very hard to engage with such processes.
• Bureaucracy. Having worked in small and agile startups and nonprofits mean I’ve been trained to appreciate intuitive processes.

Things I love

• Paying people quickly.
• Accountability. Learning from others, crediting people for their work and getting the same in return.
• Socials and team banter.

Other things to know about me

• I’m a big extrovert. I love people and animals. I get my energy from others but can also keep myself entertained.
• I love tea and cappuccino (only extra-hot, no sugar). I also love baked goods except anything with raisins.
• I’m very warm and expressive. If I don’t come across as that, you should ask how I’m doing. I may not answer honestly so you may have to be creative in asking if I’m alright.
• I will speak up for others.
• I grew up in Pakistan and so some of my habits and mannerisms may seem odd to you but it may be because of that. Please ask me if I say or do something you don’t understand.
• I’m very confident and self-assured, but don’t feel the need to rub it in so you might find me quiet in some settings simply because I have nothing to say or I want to give space to others.
• I’m extremely non-confrontational so I will do almost anything to avoid conflict. I’m working on this but this means sometimes I won’t express if I’m unhappy about something or that you’ll need to support me when such situations arise.
• I’m not always very good at claiming credit for things I’ve said or done. It’s not because I’m shy. Being grounded and humble is seen as desirable in Pakistani culture and my family in particular so it’s instinctive for me.