Summary
You may have noticed that all is not well in the world. Caught between a pandemic, a civil rights reckoning and the spectre of global conflict - you still have to show up each day and lead your team. With so much happening, it's easy to forget that the scale of your impact doesn't only come from the tools, systems or processes that you implement, but also from the depth of the questions you ask of yourself, of your team, and of your users. Drawing from over 75 long-format interviews with some of the best and brightest design leaders, this talk explores some of the big questions facing the field, and how you can use the humble question to be a better leader. Warning: this talk may raise more questions than it provides answers for.
Key Insights
-
•
The pandemic forced deep reflection on personal and collective narratives.
-
•
Socratic questioning is vital for challenging the status quo and fostering curiosity.
-
•
Design leaders must embrace ethical responsibilities in their work.
-
•
Diversity and inclusivity are essential for effective design practices.
-
•
The stories we tell ourselves influence our behaviors and potential for impact.
-
•
Critical questions help us navigate through uncertainty and despair.
-
•
Design has the responsibility to consider its societal implications.
-
•
Better questions lead to greater understanding and innovation in design.
-
•
Reflecting on personal challenges can enhance professional growth.
-
•
We must work actively to change narratives that limit progress.
Notable Quotes
"On March 25, 2020, as New Zealand entered a strict lockdown, I felt helpless and stupid."
"Each of us has been throughout our own version of Hell these past couple of years."
"Our ability to question our external and internal worlds is Central to our Humanity."
"Good questions are your allies; they're a gift that may unlock a deeper understanding."
"The get between our intentions and our outcomes couldn't be more apparent when considering who's not in the room."
"We shouldn't settle for good enough or justify poor performance."
"Getting mad about not having a seat at the table isn't productive."
"The stories we tell are framed by the questions we ask."
"It is up to us to create a better frame for design tomorrow by questioning design today."
"Keep being brave."
More Videos
"The team lead is the one who makes sure that quality is upheld and that the team is focused."
Peter MerholzDesign at Scale is People!
June 11, 2021
"You don't have to perpetuate myths surrounding creativity."
Dr. Karl JeffriesThe Science of Creativity for DesignOps
January 8, 2024
"We can take a proactive approach to change."
Laura WeissThere is No Playbook: Leader as Coach During Challenging Times
April 26, 2024
"Every creativity that people have gets deflated when they hear the word 'no.'"
Greg PetroffDesign is the Differentiator: Bringing New Design Innovations to a Very Antiquated and Very Large Industry
June 9, 2021
"Telling our stories helps us process challenges and connect to our work."
Jennifer KanyamibwaCreating the Blueprint: Growing and Building Design Teams
November 8, 2018
"It's time for us to position ourselves as active participants rather than just technique catalogues."
Verónica Urzúa Jorge MontielThe B-side of the Research Impact
March 12, 2021
"The conference is for mature audiences who've been around for a number of years."
Wendy Johansson Surya VankaDesign at Scale: Behind the Scenes
April 29, 2021
"Understanding an organization’s data culture is vital before joining a new team."
David ConradThe Feeling of Data
September 14, 2023
"Design is contextual; understanding your business environment is key to effective influence."
Ryan RumseyBusiness Influence Without Losing Your Soul
January 14, 2021
