Dear Reader,

Are you a designer looking to venture into the world of strategy?

Do you often wonder how you get the opportunity to make important decisions or take on strategic projects?

Today, we will explore a valuable first step towards achieving your goal of shaping strategy without formal authority or seniority.

As designers, we possess unique skills that enable us to excel in running workshops and collaborative sessions. Why not leverage this strength and offer to facilitate a strategy workshop for your team?

Here are some reasons why you should consider taking on this role:

1. Strategic positioning: By leading a strategy workshop, you position yourself to be directly involved in the decision-making process.
2. Key Contributor: You will be considered an integral part of the strategic process and open doors for future strategic roles and responsibilities.
3. Leadership Perception: As the facilitator, you automatically assume a leadership position within the workshop setting. This role allows you to showcase your ability to guide discussions, manage diverse opinions, and drive collaborative efforts toward strategic objectives.

But what makes a great facilitator?

It all begins with embracing the power of neutrality. You must remain impartial to the topic and the unfolding decision-making process.

This neutrality is your secret weapon—a way to support and serve the strategic process, gaining a profound understanding of the underlying issues without being constrained by preconceived notions.

As a result, you become an indispensable team member, shaping strategy without requiring formal authority or seniority.

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of strategy in general to become an effective strategy facilitator.

If you need to enhance your knowledge in these areas, there are two key avenues to explore: internal and external research.

Internally, take the time to delve into your company's practices, objectives, and existing strategies. Familiarize yourself with the language, frameworks, and approaches commonly used within your organization's strategic planning process. Understanding your company's unique context will enable you to align your facilitation efforts effectively.

Externally, broaden your understanding of strategy by conducting research beyond your company. Expanding your knowledge base will give you insights that can be applied to your company's strategic initiatives.

Remember, becoming a strategy shaper requires continuous learning and practice.

The more you immerse yourself in strategic discussions and hone your facilitation skills, the better equipped you will be to contribute meaningfully to your organization's strategic endeavors.

If you are ready to take the next step to strengthen your external knowledge of strategy, sign up for our 3-hr workshop on July 26th to learn how to align design with company strategy.

Purchase your seat now

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Defining UX Strategy: LIVE
​Learn how to build a winning strategy that aligns design with business.
​September 4-25, 2023
​Reserve a seat​

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Continuous UX Research: LIVE
​Learn how to explore user needs and run weekly discovery.
​October 2-23, 2023​
​Reserve a seat​

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➿ Dark Patterns, oh my!
​Deceptive dark design patterns found in the ‘Threads’ App​
​shared by Catalina Mueller​
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🎥 Product Design Mischief
​A prototype that was real enough to trick a wife into thinking they were gifted $10,000.​
​shared by Linus Mimetz
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Apply to join the Guild of Working Designers here.

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Until next week!

Hannah Baker
​ Educator & Co-Founder
​ The Fountain Institute