Does a fancy title make a good leader? Does being more seasoned qualify a good leader? Does popularity or persuasive chatter predict a good leader? Everyone working has a boss — you’ve had some good ones and less good ones (and maybe even terrible ones). Sometimes we wonder “how did they even get that job?” Or maybe it’s “if only I could have that role, I’d do it differently.” Design leadership means more than titles, time, and personality…and it needs you right where you are. You are strategically placed. You are not misplaced. In the design industry, let’s talk about what it means to lead when you’re not in charge — for people already leading, and those looking to lead.
2. I’m a little nervous.*
*design has a leadership crisis. And your business has a design crisis.
3. CEOs don’t understand
design leadership.*
*according to McKinsey, no one else does either.
19 Feb 2020 - Fast Company - McKinsey study of 1,700 companies reveals CEOs don’t understand design leadership at all
https://www.fastcompany.com/90464950/mckinsey-study-of-1700-companies-reveals-ceos-dont-understand-design-leadership-at-all
4. –Katie Dill, VP Design @ Lyft
“I am more than happy to design
my own role in the
best interest of the company.”