Summary
Designers rarely work alone these days, and so the teams where we get our work done have an outsized impact on everything from how we feel day-to-day, to our ability to deliver our work, to our career trajectory. Rather than impose an operating model on my design team at [company], I borrowed heavily from the design process we use every day to co-create it in a way that solved real problems we were experiencing. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of how to lead teams that largely self govern, and the benefits of this model for team members, leaders, and the companies that employ them.
Key Insights
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Designers have a stake in design operations, even without dedicated support.
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Operational excellence is crucial for success in large, complex organizations.
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A well-defined purpose statement can unify a team and guide their work.
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Principles like simplicity, autonomy, and transparency enhance team functionality and ownership.
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Regular one-on-ones cultivate individual growth and team alignment.
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Pulse surveys provide valuable insights into team morale and productivity.
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Retrospectives facilitate direct conversations that can improve team dynamics.
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Feedback loops can significantly enhance team output and collaboration.
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Resilience in operating models allows for adaptability in dynamic environments.
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Effective documentation and communication elevate a team's visibility within the organization.
Notable Quotes
"Thanks to Bria Lou and the whole conference team for organizing this incredible event."
"From the chat, it's clear how moved everyone was by Corey's incredible story."
"Job hunting feels like you're stuck in a time loop."
"What if all designers were design operators?"
"Operational excellence should be a core part of your strategy."
"Doing just about anything will be tremendously impactful."
"When you highlight problems, you empower the team to solve them constructively."
"Simplicity is key; all complicated systems that work evolved from simpler systems that work."
"Autonomy unlocks buy-in that builds co-creation."
"Feedback loops have had a tremendous impact on our team's performance."
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