Playing the Role of Therapist as a Design Leader
In this episode, Mike Townson, Director of Product Design at Order, discusses his methods in leading a team and supporting them by understanding their individual work styles and needs. Mike also reflects on growing up with Dyslexia and how he turned it into his superpower throughout his career.
Mike Townsend is the Director of Product Design at Order, with over 20 years of experience in user-centered design. He has worked with companies such as Amazon, American Airlines, Charles Schwab, HP, Lowe's, Mercedes, and Pepsi. He shares his experience as a design leader and offers advice on effectively managing creative teams, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and trust in the workplace. To contact him, you can visit his website, send him an email, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Interview with Mike Townsend on design leadership and challenges in a startup
Mike Townsend has over 20 years of experience in user-centered design.
He recommends leadership books like 'Turn the Ship Around' and those by Simon Sinek.
His greatest achievement is his 12-year relationship with his wife, highlighting the importance of communication and empathy.
His current challenge is leading the build-out and scaling of a design team in a startup to reach a Series C.
Challenges in scaling and inheriting design teams
Scaling a team requires defining representation and growth plans.
When inheriting a team, quickly gaining trust is crucial for making a positive impact.
Curiosity and clarity are key in setting expectations and effective strategies with the team.
The path to becoming a creative director and design leader
Understanding team expectations and navigating past toxic situations.
Experience from high school to becoming a creative director and design leader.
Developing leadership skills and transitioning to people management in design.
Developing leadership skills and trust in a creative environment
Empowering employees to be creative and strategic is necessary.
Building trust with the team and allowing autonomy in decision-making is important.
Software poses a challenge for creatives due to lack of control and the need to let go of perfection.
Managing creative teams and challenges
The industry requires continuous iterations for constant improvement rather than seeking perfection.
Creatives need constraints to produce their best work, even if they initially resist.
Creative managers often need to act as therapists, understanding the personal and work complexities of their teams.
Techniques for managing work and personal stress
Understanding and improving work relationships is crucial.
Separating personal life from work in remote environments is necessary.
Meditation and rest techniques can enhance emotional and mental well-being.
The importance of slowing down and embracing diversity in creativity
Resting and being mindful recharge creativity and offer new perspectives on problems.
Learning from introverts on the team can lead to more elaborate and effective ideas.
Understanding different approaches to creativity is essential for building effective teams.
The power of dyslexia in the creative field
Demystifying design to build confidence in an organization is crucial.
Dyslexia can be an advantage in problem-solving and creative communication.
The value of dyslexia in developing communication and visual storytelling skills.
Learning to love yourself and focus on your strengths
Developing superpowers to advance in your career.
Learning to love yourself and not fight against yourself.
Focusing on your natural strengths instead of learning skills where you are mediocre.
Focus on strengths and the value you bring
Highlighting skills and value you bring rather than focusing on weaknesses.
It is important to focus on the positive and the value you can offer in any situation.
