Originally published on Linkedin 18/12/2023
I spoke at a a local event for Designers recently here in Copenhagen.
After the talk I had many individual conversations at the event... and even more since then on both Linkedin and coffee chats. And I am beginning to realise there is a need for Designers to have somebody senior to talk to.
I want to actively continue this in the new year. Here is why and why I think you should too.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world, and the industry, to navigate as a designer. And for younger designers, this might be the first time they face such uncertainties.
Even at the best workplaces, conversations will inventible centre around the work itself. What are we doing? For who? How do we do it? How do I contribute to it?
But I think there is a growing need for designers to talk about the professional landscape with themselves in the centre. What do I want to do in the future and what opportunities will there be? How do I strengthen by skillset and professional acumen? Am I doing the right thing?
How you can help as a Design Leader
As a Design Leader, I am sure you are already supporting your directs' career growth and aspirations. But if you have the capacity, I encourage you to be available to Designers outside your company.
There are benefits to you too:
- Finger on the pulse of what is going on in the industry.
- Learn from outside perspectives.
- Often the best way to re-energize your brain is to shift scene.
- Bonus benefit if you are in your 40s or up, you can also learn a lot about how younger professionals see the world. In an industry as new and fast as ours, this is even more important.
To quote Yogi Bhajan:
“If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it.”