How to Create a Work Style Guide for Better Workplace Communication

Four-panel comic showing a woman creating and sharing her work style guide, resulting in better team collaboration

If your brain processes information in its own unique way, workplace guessing games can drain your energy fast. A simple one-page work style guide transforms confusion into clarity, helping colleagues understand exactly how to collaborate with you effectively. This practical tool tells your team when you focus best, how you prefer to receive information, and what conditions help you do your strongest work—so everyone benefits.

Reflect on Your Work Preferences

Before you write anything down, take a moment to think about what genuinely helps you thrive at work. Consider these key areas:

  • What time of day do you do your best deep work?
  • How do you prefer to receive information—through quick messages, detailed emails, or visual diagrams?
  • What environment helps you concentrate—quiet spaces, background music, or flexible locations?
  • How do you like to receive feedback—in writing, face-to-face, or with advance notice?

These aren't random preferences; they're insights into how your brain naturally operates. For neurodivergent thinkers especially, understanding these patterns is the foundation for playing to your strengths rather than constantly working against the grain.

Write Your One-Page Guide

Think of this page like a user manual for a new gadget—short, friendly, and practical. Keep it simple and positive. For example, you might write:

  • 'I do my best focused work between 9am and 12pm'
  • 'I prefer short, clear messages rather than lengthy emails'
  • 'Visual aids and diagrams help me grasp complex ideas quickly'
  • 'Please give me at least 24 hours' notice before important meetings'

This isn't about making excuses or highlighting limitations. It's about showing others the most effective way to work with you so your genuine strengths can shine through. When you align how you naturally process information with how your team communicates, magic happens.

Share with Your Team

Now comes the brave part: actually sharing your guide. Start with your manager and your closest teammates—the people you collaborate with most frequently. Use your guide to set clear expectations around meetings, deadlines, and feedback processes.

If you're unsure about mentioning neurodivergent traits specifically, you don't have to label anything. Simply describe what works for you in practical terms. Most colleagues will appreciate the clarity because it removes the guesswork from collaboration. When your team knows your ideal working conditions, you'll spend far less time firefighting misunderstandings and far more time doing the work that matters.

Enjoy Better Collaboration

Once you've shared your guide, you'll likely notice a shift. Colleagues might start booking morning slots for your input on complex projects. They might send you visual summaries instead of dense paragraphs. These small adjustments create the calm, productive momentum that comes from working with your brain rather than against it.

Remember to update your guide as your role evolves. The goal is beautifully simple: match how you naturally process information with the realities of your job. Clear communication creates space for your strong sides to become a decisive advantage rather than getting lost in translation.

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Visit www.brainzyme.com to explore how our natural formulas can complement your work style guide and help you perform at your very best.