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.

1. UnTitled
Design Leadership for Those Who Aren’t in Charge
Scott Welliver
Design Advocate @ Abstract
scott@abstract.com

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.”

5. My first time
“in charge”.
Circa 2006

6. My first time
“in charge”.
Circa 2006

7. –No One Ever
“I like to fire people.”

8. My current template is
perfectly designed.
*To produce the results I’m currently getting.
*

9. Design your influence &
Design your product.
*using the same/similar principles.
*

10. Hungry
Smart
Humble

11. Not
Hungry
Not
Smart
Not
Humble

12. Be smart

13. Leaders are learners.
*You don’t get what you want, you get what you prioritize.
*

14. Read these
! If you’re only gonna read one

15. Not a reader? Try IG
@AdamMGrant @JonAcuff @LiveFromSnackTime
…also, everyone here
has a good podcast…

16. Isn’t research, like,
important?
*spoiler alert: it is for design.
*
So is leadership research.

17. Get to business.
d.MBA - Alen Faljic Second Wave Dive - Ryan Rumsey

18. Get to business.
d.MBA - Alen Faljic Second Wave Dive - Ryan Rumsey

19. –Kurt Vonnegut
“Be understandable.
Therefore, understood.”

20. Be hungry

21. Don’t wait.
*if you’re always waiting for more responsibility,
you’ll likely never be given anything of importance.
*

22. *but connect with others through your weaknesses.
Lead with your
strengths.*

23. Volunteer to lead something.
*when you aren’t paying your team, you’ll discover how to influence without status.
*

24. –Alastair Simpson @ Atlassian
“Where there is chaos, bring calm.
Where there is calm, bring passion.”

25. Be humble

26. Have integrity.
*doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
*

27. Great teams aren’t built
on the talents of a few.
*they are built on the sacrifices of many.
*
…also, great products…

28. Bring judgment.
*produce value because of your own wisdom and experience.
*

29. Strong opinions.
Loosely held.
*great leaders don’t get defensive.
*

30. –Jim Elliot
“Where ever you are,
be all there.”

31. Smart
charmer

32. Smart
Humble
doormat
charmer

33. Hungry
Smart
Humble
doormat bulldozer
charmer

34. Hungry
Smart
Humble
doormat bulldozer
charmer
lovable
slacker

35. Hungry
Smart
Humble
doormat bulldozer
charmer
lovable
slacker
skillful
politician

36. Hungry
Smart
Humble
doormat bulldozer
charmer
lovable
slacker
accidental
mess-maker
skillful
politician

37. Hungry
Smart
Humble
doormat bulldozer
charmer
ideal
leader
lovable
slacker
accidental
mess-maker
skillful
politician

38. UnTitled
Design Leadership for Those Who Aren’t in Charge
Scott Welliver
Design Advocate @ Abstract
scott@abstract.com