Comments on: Experienced Designers: Choose Your Next Manager

By: Caronne Carruthers-Taylor

Caronne Carruthers-Taylor — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:42:39 +0000

Thanks Jared. I totally agree that a great manager is one of the keys to happiness at work, along with great colleagues. Those managers are as rare as hen’s teeth! We spend so much of our time at work, so let’s be happy! This resonated with me :

“What traits should that manager have? How do they support their team? When things get rough, how do they deliver guidance? Do they regularly give out praise? Do they take a deep interest in the work and in their employee’s future? “

By: Steph Beath

Steph Beath — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:07:45 +0000

Gary and Luisa – come to NZ where experienced designers really are as rare as hens teeth we’re drowning in work this side of the planet! I have been able to choose my manager as a result although for me my colleagues are just as (if not more) important than my manager for getting what I want out of a role. Nicely said Jared – environment is as important as the work itself.

By: Jared Spool

Jared Spool — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:15:50 +0000

Steve, it’s not a generic “great manager” that I’m talking about. I’m talking about what each designer wants from their next manager.

Some will want a chance to grow, by getting new assignments with each project. Others will want to get a chance to perfect their craft, by having a chance to practice similar work repeatedly.

Some will want to get more hands-on mentorship and critique, while others will want more autonomy and self-directed work.

Some will want to be more shielded from the outside world, whereas others will want more chances to interact with people in other groups and teams.

It’s part of the candidates responsibility to think about what they want to get from their manager.

Hope that helps.

By: Luisa

Luisa — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:25:49 +0000

I have to agree with Gary here. To ask your interviewer for their references will guarantee a swift end to the meeting. I ask rather pertinent questions with regards to managerial style, company values and support mechanism and in my experience, you will never get a proper understanding until you start the job.

Personally, I look for a manager who will give me the flexibility to do my work but also support me when I need it. I don’t necessarily need a manager who knows UX methodology in detail (in fact I prefer it) but I do look for one who knows how to deal with a problem, respect the work I do and will be proactive in solving issues.

By: Steve Cumbia

Steve Cumbia — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:19:20 +0000

So, from a Designer point of view, what makes a great manager?

By: Gary Barber

Gary Barber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:07:50 +0000

Jared nice idea, but how do you get to know the prospective manager, a few interviews and the like don’t present their management style. I know in my environment asking a prospective for references will usually get a “Next” response.

You are assuming good UX people are rare as chicken sexers maybe…