The Journey: Reflections on My First Year as a Product Design & UX Leader
Note: This is a personal reflection of my first year as a Product Design and UX Leader. Wow, what a ride it’s been! I’ve found myself learning more than I ever thought was humanly possible (humbling). In this post, I’m excited to share the highs, the lows, those breakthrough moments, and all the “aha” epiphanies that made an impact. Whether you’re here for practical insights or inspiration, I hope you find something that clicks! Just remember, this is all from my personal experience—your journey may involve fewer tea spills or Teams mic chaos (or not).
As I look back on my first year as a Product Design and UX Leader, I have come to realize that effective management and inspiring leadership are two sides of the same coin. Understanding this distinction has been a significant turning point in my growth. In this article, I will be sharing my insights, challenges, and the lessons I've learned along the way.
Table of Contents
- The Rarity of Great Managers
- Management vs. Leadership
- The Importance of Weekly One-on-Ones
- Feedback: A Balancing Act
- The Importance of Community and Support
- Juggling Leadership and Product Vision
- Continuous Learning as a Leadership Staple
- Self-Assessment and Skill Development
- Delegating Effectively
- Trust is Key to Empowering Others
- Leading by Example
- Celebrating and Learning from Experiences
- Conclusion
The Rarity of Great Managers
One of the first things I discovered is how rare truly effective managers are. Research suggests that only a fraction of individuals naturally excel at management. This revelation served as both a wake-up call and a motivator for me. It reinforced the need for constant learning and adaptation to thrive as a UX leader.
Management vs. Leadership
Initially, I found the distinction between management and leadership somewhat nebulous. However, as I delved deeper into my role, I understood that UX management is more about coordination and planning, while leadership is about inspiring and coaching. In the realm of UX, this means leading with vision and mastering the nuts and bolts of day-to-day team management.
The Importance of Weekly One-on-Ones
Early on, I recognized the importance of dedicating regular, one-on-one time with each team member. These sessions became a cornerstone of my management style, providing a platform for open dialogue, feedback, and personal development. By establishing this practice, I built trust and fostered an environment conducive to growth.
Feedback: A Balancing Act
Learning to give constructive feedback was a pivotal milestone in my journey. It is not merely about pointing out areas for improvement; it is equally important to acknowledge strengths and achievements. I discovered that timely, specific feedback can motivate and empower individuals. Integrating this into regular interactions became a critical part of my management approach.
"Feedback is the breakfast of champions," said Ken Blanchard.
The Importance of Community and Support
Transitioning into a management role can sometimes feel isolating, but it is vital to remember that you are not alone. Engaging with a community of fellow managers, both within and outside your organization, can provide invaluable support and perspective. I found that sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and learning from others helped me navigate the complexities of UX leadership.
Juggling Leadership and Product Vision
As a UX leader/coach, it is exhilarating to drive the vision for the user experience. However, it is crucial to maintain sight of fundamental management responsibilities. The real leverage as a leader comes from nurturing and developing one's team. A committed, well-supported team is the key to bringing any UX vision to life.
Continuous Learning as a Leadership Staple
Throughout the year, I heavily relied on free resources such as the Harvard Business Review and the Manager Tools Fundamentals Podcast for valuable insights and strategies. Additionally, taking leadership courses and leadership coaching shaped my feedback and communication approach. These resources were invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of product design & UX leadership.
Self-Assessment and Skill Development
Conducting a thorough self-audit of my skills was a crucial step in my development as a leader through LCP (Leadership Circle Profile). Identifying areas for growth and actively seeking out resources and training to address these gaps became a central part of my journey. By investing in my own growth, I was better equipped to support and guide my team.
Delegating Effectively
I quickly (not so quick, to be honest, lol. I'll dive deeper further down in the post.) learned that effective delegation is not just about assigning tasks; it is about empowering team members and trusting them to take ownership. Clear communication of expectations and providing the necessary support is key to effective delegation. Delegating tasks allowed me to focus on higher-level strategic initiatives while fostering individual growth within the team.
Trust is Key to Empowering Others
I've found that trust is absolutely essential for enabling others to reach their full potential. It creates an environment where risk-taking and innovation come naturally to come up with new ideas, especially in product design and UX. By trusting our users and allowing them to interact with our products freely, we boost their confidence and enhance user engagement. The same goes for leading/coaching a team. Trusting my team to take charge of their work, make independent decisions, and add their personal touch sparks creativity and a sense of ownership. For me, being a leader (coach) is about fostering a trusting environment where everyone feels respected and valued — the real driver of engagement and productivity.
Leading by Example
As a UX leader, I have strived to model the behaviour and attitudes I value. This includes being hands-on when needed, being receptive to feedback, and committing to ongoing personal and professional growth. By leading by example, I aimed to inspire and motivate my team members to reach their full potential.
Celebrating and Learning from Experiences
Acknowledging and celebrating the team's successes, as well as owning and learning from failures, are both integral to building a supportive and resilient team culture. I fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation by creating an environment that embraces both success and failure.
Conclusion
My first year as a Product Design & UX leader has been a challenging yet enriching experience. From understanding the essence of effective management to practicing regular feedback, embracing continuous learning, and leading by example, each lesson has been a step in my evolution as a leader/coach. As I move forward, I am excited to apply these lessons and continue to grow, aiming to inspire and empower my team to new heights in the product design & UX field.
Key takeaways:
The Rarity of Great Managers: I discovered the scarcity of truly effective managers, which motivated me to embrace constant learning and adaptation in my leadership role.
Management vs. Leadership: Be able to differentiate between management, which is concerned with coordination and planning, from leadership, which is concerned with inspiring and guiding. It means in UX that one leads with vision while handling the management for the everyday activities of the team.
The Importance of Weekly One-on-One: Regular one-on-one meetings with team members have been foundational in building trust and promoting growth.
Feedback: A Balancing Act: I've learned the art of giving constructive feedback and balancing criticism with recognizing strengths and achievements.
Community and Support: Engaging with a community of fellow managers helped me navigate the complexities of UX leadership and overcome the isolation sometimes felt in management roles.
Juggling Leadership and Product Vision: Maintaining a focus on both leadership and product vision has been key to nurturing and developing my team.
Continuous Learning: Resources like the Harvard Business Review and Manager Tools Fundamentals Podcast were instrumental in my growth.
Self-Assessment and Skill Development: Conducting a thorough self-audit and actively seeking resources for improvement has been central to my development.
Delegating Effectively: I've embraced delegation not just as a task assignment but as a means of empowering team members.
Trust as the Foundation of Empowerment: Building trust has been essential in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and creativity.
Leading by Example: I strive to model the behaviour and attitudes I value, aiming to inspire and motivate my team.
Celebrating and Learning from Experiences: Embracing both successes and failures has been integral to building a supportive and resilient team culture.
How will the pieces come together in actual scenarios in Year 2? Will it all fit perfectly (“Progress over perfection”? or will a few pieces not click?!