Personal Operating Manual

Close the gap between the job description and the real job

Job descriptions tell you what HR thinks the role is. They rarely tell you what actually determines success, who holds the power, or where previous incumbents came unstuck. This framework runs a structured interview and produces a reference document covering the twelve areas that matter most.

Two Distinct Starting Points

Same framework, different contexts

Starting a New Role

You've accepted the offer but the job description only tells half the story. The manual maps the political landscape, hidden expectations, and the fastest path to credibility — before day one.

  • First 90 days roadmap
  • Stakeholder relationship strategy
  • Quick wins to build credibility

Resetting in Your Current Role

Been in the seat a while and running on autopilot? The manual gives you an honest assessment of where you stand and a concrete plan to re-energise your impact.

  • Honest current-state assessment
  • Stop, start, continue analysis
  • Relationships to repair or build

What the Manual Covers

Twelve sections, each tailored to your specific context

Role Clarity

What success actually looks like — beyond the job description

Stakeholder Map

Who holds the power, who influences decisions, and how to build those relationships

Managing Up

Your manager's style, expectations, and how to build trust upward

Operating Rhythm

The daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly cadences that keep you on track

First 90 Days / Reset Plan

Phased priorities whether you're starting fresh or recalibrating

Skills & Development

What to learn, who to learn from, and how to close your gaps fastest

Cultural Navigation

How things really get done — company norms, unwritten rules, political landscape

Common Pitfalls

Where others have failed in this role and the traps to sidestep

Excellence Markers

The specific behaviours that separate good from exceptional

Energy Management

Where to invest your time, what to delegate, and how to sustain performance

Team Leadership

Structure, cadence, and culture — if you're managing others

Progress Checkpoints

30-60-90 day milestones with built-in course correction

How It Works

A structured interview produces your personalised manual. Expect to spend 30 to 60 minutes in conversation before receiving your output.

1

Sign In and Copy the Framework

Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, or whichever AI assistant you prefer

2

Work Through the Interview

The AI asks about your role, company, manager, and objectives one question at a time

3

Receive Your Manual

A structured document covering all twelve areas, tailored to your specific context

A Reference Document, Not a Motivational Poster

The output helps you make better decisions about where to spend your time and attention. Use it to prepare for your first weeks, to reset when things have drifted, or to pressure-test your current approach.

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