The Fountain Institute is an independent online school that teaches advanced UX & product skills.
By Hannah Baker
Dear Reader,
Navigating uncertainty is where great designers live.
We have loads of data, insights, and experience to work with while trying to figure out the right solution to make our company all the money in the world and skyrocket our careers.
Aren't those our only goals these days π?
We have pressure from our CEOs, managers, COUGH, and ourselves to get everything right.
The anxiety of uncertainty is palpable, pushing us to strive for perfection.
However, the journey towards not just surviving but thriving in this ambiguous space is where true innovation happens. It involves asking probing questions, exploring the unknown, and realizing that solutions are often nuanced and varied.
Deciphering the right path is complex, but as we grow more comfortable in uncertainty, we gain the confidence to adapt and alter course when necessary.
Great leaders exemplify this traitβthey don't hastily provide answers.
β
Instead, they take the time to listen, question, and gather information, making informed decisions.
Yet, the significance of comfort with uncertainty goes beyond informed decision-making. It showcases to our teams and peers that we are adept at handling the unknown, demonstrating fearlessness in the face of ambiguity.
Comfort in the unknown also breeds detachmentβa vital quality that fosters flexibility and swift adaptation to ever-changing landscapes. It allows us to be role models during turbulent times, maintaining composure and serving as a pillar of strength for our teams.
However, embracing the unknown doesn't imply stagnation.
It's about remaining unfazed and actively seeking more information. This mindset cultivates a continuous learning culture that benefits both individuals and teams.
Imagine a brainstorming session where innovation is the lifeline in a competitive market. A leader comfortable with ambiguity encourages the team to venture into uncharted territories, creating an environment where novel concepts are tested without the fear of failure.
The acceptance of ambiguity sparks groundbreaking ideas, catalyzing creativity.
Leaders comfortable with ambiguity instill a culture of autonomy and self-efficacy, unlocking team potential for agility and inventive solutions.
Let's embrace the unknown, for the keys to innovation, resilience, and a flourishing career lie within its depths.
Ready to grow not just as a designer but as a leader?
Then check out the masterclass below for valuable insights and actionable strategies on embracing uncertainty and other leadership skills. Let's embark on this journey together.
Watch the Masterclass Now! |
β
β
ONLINE MEETUP: Designers' Collective Dreams |
β
β
β
β
Until next week!
Hannah Baker β |
The Fountain Institute is an independent online school that teaches advanced UX & product skills.
Figma Skills Won't Get You Promoted by Jeff Humble Dear Reader, Today's advice letter concerns the design community's fetishization of Figma and how our obsession with tools gives the wrong impression. Let me explain. Everywhere you look, designer dudes are trying to sell you on Figma. Design is so much more than software for drawing rectangles. But still, you click this stuff. It's almost like you think that learning this one piece of software is the job...rather than, you know, learning how...
Shaping the Future of the Guild of Working Designers - Let's Co-Create! By Hannah Baker Dear Reader, As one of over 6,500 newsletter subscribers, you're part of a vibrant group passionate about senior-level design and leadership. You might have heard us refer to the Guild of Working Designers, or Guild for short, and maybe you're even part of it. But if you've been curious about what this is and why it exists, we are here to clarify that and offer an opportunity to shape its future. The Guild...
Innovation by Design with Cristina Colosi Dear Reader, Last night, we heard an inspiring talk from Cristina Colosi, a service designer working on the innovation team at Rainforest Alliance. Many designers want to get involved in sustainability work, and Cristina is an example of how you can use your design skills to make a real impact on the climate. Cristina gave us a firsthand view of her innovation work with a case study about an NGO that involved farmers, corporations, and the entire...