The Role of Empathy in Design Leadership
Design leadership may look different on the surface for each individual. But the core skill that drives success in any design leader is empathy.
The ability to think about the needs of team members and clients and respond to them makes for more effective communication, stronger team dynamics, and better design outcomes.
Design is about the user and staying in touch with the user’s motivations and needs. Empathy is the tool that helps us understand the feelings of the users.
So what can a design leader do to nurture their own empathy? Here are a few tips:
Start with understanding yourself. This helps build the empathy you can model with others.
Listen without judgment. We all come into conversations with preconceived ideas and expectations, but taking a moment to really listen will help foster communication.
Cut through the noise. It’s easy to get caught up in the buzzwords of the industry, but design success comes from knowing how all the pieces fit together. Take a step back and really observe how a project works before forming an opinion.
Collaborate, don’t dictate. The customer’s vision and the team's input are both essential parts of design success. Ask questions, put yourself in their shoes, and work together to bring the project to life.
Be curious. If you’re struggling to understand something, ask more questions. That'll create a better foundation for everyone to develop solutions.
