The ME Compass

Written by Jens Wiemann

Those who understand themselves can reach others better

A woman stands in the foreground in front of a group of people, smiling. Above her is a sign reading: "Me Compass." Those who understand themselves can better reach others.

1. Why are we talking past each other?

We all know small misunderstandings:

  • Your colleague never replies to emails before 11 a.m.

  • Your boss immediately presents solutions in meetings, but you want to understand the problem first.

  • Some conversations inspire you – others drain your energy.

The reason is rarely malice—usually, we simply don't know enough about what makes others tick. Often, we don't even know our own communication preferences.

74% of employees find it difficult to start a conversation informally – even if the other person is just a desk away (The Sun, 2024).

86% cite poor communication as the main reason for problems at work (Pumble Communication Statistics, 2024).

2. What is the ME Compass?

The ICH Compass is our version of the Manual of Me : a personal instruction manual that you fill out and—if you like—share with your team. Easy to complete, immediately effective. It asks, for example:

The basics

  • When am I easily reachable?

  • What are my core tasks?

Your growth

  • What am I strong at?

  • What do I want to work on?

Personal

  • What values drive me?

  • What does my perfect workday look like?

Fun Facts

  • What gets me into the flow?

  • What will lure me into the office?

A representation of a sheet of paper on a purple background with the ICH compass by Connecting Humans

The ME Compass

Here you can download the ICH Compass as an interactive PDF and try it out right away:

3. What does the ME Compass do?

  • Misunderstandings are resolved – preferences are openly on the table.

  • New points of contact emerge – small talk becomes easier.

  • Collaboration becomes more efficient – because everyone knows how the others work and learn.

4. ME Compass × Big Five

We often combine the ME Compass with our Big Five workshop.

  • Big Five shows personality structures.

  • ICH-Kompass translates these insights directly into everyday work.

Read more in the article “Big Five & Social Fitness”: [Insert link to article]

5. Use the ME Compass in your context

Whether it's a team kickoff, onboarding, or family project – the ME Compass is versatile. Try it out and collect your aha moments.

I'd love to hear how the ME Compass works for you. Questions or feedback? Write to us at info@connecting-humans.de or use the comments function here on the blog.

Want more social fitness?

The ICH Compass is just one of many tools we use to strengthen collaboration. Feel free to schedule an introductory meeting with me.

Stay connected.

Jens Wiemann

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