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New Managers

Foundational skills for the transition from maker to manager. Explore workshops, tools and articles.

 

You’re a maker in transition–making the leap to management. This is both an incredibly exciting and deeply intimidating shift. 

As a designer, you’ve cultivated a set of skills for crafting quality products and brands for others. Now you’re helping other designers do the same, and you’re navigating expectations around impact (yours and theirs)–all while learning a new set of skills. It might feel like you’re supposed to fly when you’re still figuring out how to walk.

What should you prioritize now? How do you manage new or changing relationships? How can you be fulfilled creatively?

All of us at Design Dept. have been where you are now. As you move into this new phase of leadership, we’re here to support you with workshops, tools, and articles that will help you not only learn your new role but also thrive in it.

 
 
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ESSENTIAL TRAINING

The workshop for new design manager—Design Leadership Fundamentals I—gives you a starter kit of tools and frameworks for your new role.

 

Designers spend years developing the skills to craft quality products and brands for others. As they transition from maker to manager, they’re expected to have immediate impact but have very little support. That’s a lot to carry when you’re still learning how to lead a team and manage people. This design leadership training helps newly minted managers leverage their design skills and become truly great design leaders. 

 
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Skill Development

Dig deeper into core skills with workshops that help you approach managing with intentionality.

DESIGNING BUSINESSES

Understand business basics to increase your impact. Learn more

 

Ensuring Design Excellence

Lead your team in creating high-value work at scale. Learn more

 
 

DESIGN LEADERSHIP SKILL WHEEL

Understand how to value, prioritize, and protect your time. Learn more
Order a self-guided workbook

 

Designing Alliances

Explore how to build effective, collaborative relationships across an organization. Learn more

 

Communication by Design

Improve communication and collaboration and learn how to deliver feedback effectively. Learn more

 

FACILITATING DECISIONS

Promote healthy discussions that lead to effective decisions. Learn more

 
 
 

HELPFUL TOOLS

The Design Leadership Skill Wheel is designed to support people at all stages of their leadership journey.

 

The Design Leadership Skill Wheel allows you to take a snapshot of your current skills, energy, and growth in four specific areas of value that design leaders bring to an organization: self, vision, team, and delivery. By focusing on these four areas, you will be able to map out a practical, actionable plan for growth.

To develop your own Design Leadership Skill Wheel, you can order a self-guided workbook for yourself and your team, or join us live for a live workshop.

 
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Required Reading

Ranging from practical tips to personal perspectives, these stories reaffirm our belief in leadership as an intentional creative practice.

 
 

HOW ARE YOUR FACILITATING SKILLS?

Facilitation is one of the most undervalued leadership skills.

 

HOW TO SCALE YOURSELF AS A CREATIVE LEADER

Find focus and shift your energy to the things that really matter.

 

NEGOTIATING A COACHING BUDGET INTO YOUR JOB OFFER

Get the support you need to succeed—and to sustain yourself.

 

How to lead inclusive design critiques

An effective critique can be a magical thing.

 

THE POWER OF THEMATIC ONE-ON-ONES

Get a read on critical aspects of your team’s development and perspective.