There are only two types of people: those who bring energy and positivity, and those who don’t. This applies to managers too. Ease of working is the invisible skill that separates the two — consistently.
📋 The 6 Principles
When you message someone, don’t say “Hi” and wait. Include your question or context immediately. It respects their time and gets to resolution faster. See: nohello.net
When you accept a task, always tell the other person when to expect it. Even if the ETA changes — communicate that proactively. Silence is the fastest way to erode trust.
Don’t ask about your attempted solution; ask about your actual problem. Describe what you’re trying to achieve, not just the blocker you hit. See: xyproblem.info
Before asking for help, share what you’ve already tried. “I tried X and Y, but Z is still failing — here’s what I know” is 10× more efficient than a bare question.
You don’t need to be always-on. But if you’re stepping away, say so. “Back in 2 hours” removes the anxiety loop others feel when waiting for a response.
Every interaction has a tone. The people who are easy to work with don’t just have skills — they make everyone around them function better. That compounding effect is the real competitive advantage.
🤝 The Two Types
- Gives context upfront
- Provides ETAs and updates
- Communicates proactively
- Brings solutions, not problems
- Respects other people’s time
- Just says “Hi” and waits
- Goes silent without updates
- Asks about symptoms, not causes
- Creates dependency and friction
- Makes others chase for answers
Irrespective of your role, practising these principles will make you the person every team wants around. And in any organisation, that’s worth more than most technical skills.