I’ve been managing a team for over 2 years now. It started with leading a pod with 2 designers, to currently overlooking multiple product verticals with a team of 12 designers.
Here are my learnings, in no particular order –
There’s going to be constant context-switching — different tasks, projects, priorities, even multiple times an hour.
You’ll have to interact with a lot of people. Even on days when you don’t feel like it.
Prepare for a lot of unsexy, yet crucial administrative tasks and meetings.
Without realising, you’ll shape a mini culture within your team. This drastically affects the overall internal and external dynamics.
Every designer and peer you work with has a preferred style of working. Embrace it and help them become more productive.
Every team member will expect a different time commitment, involvement, and support from you.
Effective delegation is an underrated tool.
During specific periods, you won’t actually ‘design’ anything yourself.
Days oscillate between extreme predictability and complete newness and fun. over time, you’re ready for anything and nothing surprises you.
Brace yourself for a wide range of questions. especially in 1:1 meetings.
Get ready to do a lot of writing: feedback, comments, action item lists, reviews…
Designers often don’t recognize their own strengths. It’s your job to identify it and communicate it regularly.
Take the time to genuinely appreciate good work. It’s a great morale booster.
Set a high bar for work, but also be forgiving. Everyone makes mistakes.
Managing up is a crucial skill. How you communicate the work and information directly influences how it is perceived.
Being a storyteller becomes a regular part of your role, effortlessly getting the team pumped and excited on many days.
Tough conversations and decisions are a part of your role.
There are more reasons for people to not like you (yeah).
You’ll have to respectfully navigate a pool of sub-par ideas and suggestions. directly shooting them down every time might not be the best approach.
The team will pleasantly surprise you on some days. On others, they’ll fall short and disappoint. We’re all human.
The thrill of a new launch never loses its excitement. You get to witness more of them now.
A lot of your contributions become intangible. It may become difficult to quantify your impact at times.
A highly motivated team is an absolute blessing — nothing beats intent, not even skills.
The buck stops with you. Own up to decisions and outcomes.
