Managing a design team in an agency is like running a busy kitchen preparing a feast. Just like a head chef balances flavors, ingredients, and timing to serve up the perfect menu, a design leader must blend creative ideas, client needs & preferences, and deadlines to deliver the ideal result.
Great things in business are never done by one person
– Steve Jobs
Just like any business, success is rarely the outcome of a single effort. It comes from a blend of diverse skills, collaboration, and coordinated execution. In a design agency, each team member plays a crucial role, much like chefs in a kitchen— Each team member, like a chef, has their specialty—whether it’s crafting visuals, refining UX, or handling client feedback. Success comes when everyone works in harmony, ensuring the final “dish” delights both the client and the audience.
Here’s the the key formula of effective team management I’ve experienced so far:
1. Lead by example
In 2016, I began my journey as a junior designer, where I was not only focused on refining my design skills but also on improving my self-management abilities. During this time, one thing that I noticed was how my leaders have different leadership styles, but one thing they do in common – they stayed true to themselves and served as role models, particularly in how they conducted themselves and their attitudes.
This taught me that being a leader goes beyond skill; it involves being a person of integrity for the team.
2. Applying vision & strategic thinking
Much like spotting good vs. bad UX, a leader can make or break a team’s experience. Strong leadership offers a clear vision and direction, ensuring both short- and long-term targets align with company goals.
A key part of this is knowing when to let the team explore creatively and when to hit the brakes to ensure they stay on the right track. This balance between creative freedom and strategic guidance helps direct the team’s efforts, leading to meaningful outcomes that align with the overall vision.
3. Cultivating ownership through team empowerment
Cultivating ownership within a team starts with empowering each member. Instead of offering immediate answers, guide and teach — help them develop problem-solving skills. This approach not only strengthens their confidence but also builds a sense of ownership over their work.
When each member feels accountable for their contributions, they become more invested in the outcome. Empowering the team to take initiative and make decisions will lead to a culture where everyone feels responsible for success, encouraging innovation and collaboration. This sense of ownership will lead to a high-performing & self-driven team.
4. Have empathy and trust in the team
Every leader and team member is different, and leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. A good leader must “wear multiple shoes”, adapting their approach to fit the needs of each member, whether as a mentor, coach, or motivator – a thing that I still and keep learning to this day.
Similar to how I try to understand the user in design thinking, utilizing empathy helps to understand the team’s challenges and strengths, allowing us to provide tailored support. By trusting each team member while offering guidance when needed, this creates a culture of confidence and independence. It’s an ongoing learning process, requiring constant adaptation to team dynamics.
5. Learn continuously & stay resilient
In today’s fast-paced work environment, challenges and changes are inevitable. Whether it’s evolving technology, or unforeseen obstacles, a leader must stay adaptable. Flexibility allows the team to adjust and continue moving forward without losing momentum.
What’s also important is to foster a culture of continuous learning. Building a team that stays curious and seeks new knowledge can help not only personal development but also help them to stay motivated and enhance engagement – and as a bonus, new innovation might be born from here. By fostering this culture, we can build a resilient team equipped to tackle any challenge.
In conclusion, effective leadership in a design agency relies on empathy, adaptability, and continuous learning. By embracing these principles, a collaborative environment where creativity thrives and team members feel valued can be built. Remember that success is a collective journey. Leader’s role is to guide and support the team through challenges, driving innovation and excellence in every project. Embrace the journey of leadership, and inspire the team to reach new heights together.