As a product design leader, our role isn't just about overseeing projects — it's about fostering the growth and potential of every designer under our wing. It's a journey where we not only guide our team members to professional heights but also foster a more skilled, motivated, and innovative design team. By cultivating the team's talents and steering them towards success, we create an environment where creativity thrives, careers flourish, and our projects resonate with success.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."
- Michael Jordan
During my time building design teams, I've learned to be much more in-tune with the team's growth. Every designer aims to grow in different ways. For example, at Samsung, I mentored a junior designer who had no experience in the mobile and home entertainment space, but is great in tactical design. As she learned the terminology and our company and teams' culture, her confidence grew.
I organized design workshops to further refine her facilitation and organization skills. I also got her involved in more stakeholder communications, teaching her the intricate balance between meeting stakeholders needs and maintaining design integrity. Her improved ability to express her ideas clearly and persuasively marked a significant milestone in her growth.
Later, when we secured a high-profile project, I knew it was her time to shine. Entrusting her with a crucial role, I watched as she led her team with a mix of new thinking and practicality. The project's success was a great sign on her advancement. In two years, she became a Senior Designer and a key member who strengthen our design practice and the Visual Displays business. What I enjoyed most is that she evolved from a mentee into a peer, her creativity and insights propelled our team to new heights. Also she taught me new things about my communication style and the types of motivation methods that works best for her.
How can you help your designers grow while driving towards your business goals?
- Growth opportunities
Get your designers on projects that stretch their skills. Discomfort is a catalyst for growth. It makes us yearn for something more. It forces them to change, stretch, and adapt. Challenge your team to work at a level above their current one. It's great for their development and paves their path to recognition.
- Boost their skills
Help them hone their design craft and product thinking through reviews, informal chats, and setting up mentor-mentee relationships.
- Focus on impact
Encourage them to aim for a bigger impact in their work. Think beyond the project goals, is there ways where you learned a new design workflow that the team can benefit from? Help them make the connection on how their design work ties to the company's bigger picture.
- Personalized growth plans
Tailor a growth plan for each designer, aligning their career goals with the opportunities you offer. Setup meaningful 1:1s to foster a safe and open space for discussion. Encourage honesty and transparency, and ensure confidentiality to build trust. Align on expectations and priorities, and communicate any roadblocks early on.
- Healthy work culture
Foster an environment where everyone, regardless of seniority, learns from each other. Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. Promote a supportive atmosphere with mentorship and psychological safety, in order for designers to excel.
- Coach, don't micromanage
Guide them through tough spots, but only step in when absolutely necessary. Allowing them the freedom to explore their own methods and solutions. Give them a sense of autonomy and purpose.
- Be their champion
Advocate for your designers beyond regular interactions. Highlight their achievements to ensure their hard work is recognized. This could be through formal reports, presentations, or casual conversations. Create opportunities for professional development training and for designers to showcase their work by leading meetings, presenting in company-wide gatherings, or representing the team in cross-departmental projects.
Being intentional in helping each team member in a way that resonates with them is crucial for their growth and for employee retention. When designers become passionate and knowledgeable, they will transfer the same to customers as well. Looking back, I see that my role was more than just teaching technical skills. It was about instilling confidence, encouraging responsibility, and fueling their passion for solving complex business and user problems through design.
