What a boss really wants in a design lead or manager
Dreaming of becoming a design leader? I’m often asked what I look for in a lead designer or design manager. We are on the lookout for self-sufficient leaders, not just another cog in the machine. It’s about being a doer, a planner, and a problem-solver. Get-It-done attitude Design executives are swamped. They need someone who […]
Don’t want to be an order taker? Stop taking orders
When you sit the chair and ask your hair stylist for a certain style of cut or color chances are they listened carefully, considered your face shape, hair type, how much time you spend your hair (not much if you are me) and your skill in doing hair (none if you are me). Hopefully at […]
How to be more convincing in your next big meeting
One of my crew is giving a presentation to the sales team and as we we’re prepping I used a bunch of my go to tips. These may or may not be the best choice depending on the audience, venue, culture or objective. I encourage you to think about them before your next big event. […]
How the orange juice test can teach you how to manage a tough situation
I’m a huge fan of the content Intercom puts out and through them I discovered Gerald M. Weinberg’s The Secrets of Consulting: A Guide to Giving and Getting Advice Successfully. It’s full of amusing and good advice. One of the best bits is about the orange juice test and it’s something I’ve used to teach my team how […]
How to Manage Up
Everyone has a boss. Even a CEO needs to manage their board or important customers. Knowing how to manage leaders in your organization or your client’s is a pretty important skill and one I did not come by naturally. I’ve been luckily enough to have people knock sense into me. Know how your boss works […]
My favorite resources on customer and user psychology
Last weekend I taught a workshop at DC Web Women‘s Code(Her) Conference and I mentioned a couple of my favorite books or resources on customer and user psychology. These have helped me and I hope they do the same for you. Please share your favorite in the comments. Product Psychology Some of the top talent […]
Getting things done Part 4: Manage the emotions
This is the third of a four part series, in Part 1 I introduced the framework, Part 2 was about understanding the people and situation and Part 3 was about preparation. In the final part we’ll talk about why and how to manage emotions. The number of people involved in a decision or change effort […]
Getting things done Part 3: Prepare Yourself
This is the third of a four part series, in Part 1 we introduced the framework, Part 2 was about understanding the people and situation. Let’s say you have a great idea for a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing your team and you can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t immediately say yes. Except when […]
Getting things done Part 2: Accept the weird and irrational
If you think saying something smart is all you need to make your idea a reality, you will have a career filled with disappointment and frustration. You need help, money, permission and support and getting it isn’t easy. In Part 1 of Getting Things Done I introduced a framework for driving change when all you […]
Getting things done Part 1: When you don’t have authority
I’ve spent my career trying to get things done or change things with no authority, no budget and no reports. Sometimes you have to make it work when all you have is charm, determination, persuasiveness and wit. Many mentors, managers and friends have helped me develop this framework. I’ve tried to pay that forward by […]