Should you take the leap from UX designer (individual contributor) to a UX leader?
What to expect and how to succeed in your first leadership role in UX
I recently had a chat with one of my students who’s been offered a promotion to a UX leadership role.
Woohoo, right?
This promotion came because of his stellar work as an Individual Contributor (IC).
But he’s on the fence.
He’s never managed people, doesn’t fully understand how it will affect his day-to-day, and worries that he isn’t ready.
He loves the craft of design, and not even sure if he wants to manage people.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve been in his shoes or are contemplating a similar move, this one’s for you.
As someone who’s made a switch from an IC to a leader, and then back again, and then forward again, let me share some wisdom and hopefully help making this decision and transition easier.
Keep Doing the Work You Love
Who says leaders can’t design?
That’s outdated thinking.
Keep your hands in the work.
Use your IC skills to stay grounded and lead by example.
Your involvement in design doesn’t stop, it evolves.
Influence design direction while mentoring your team to elevate their craft.
Embrace the Power of Saying “No”
Leadership is as much about what you don’t do as what you do.
The power of ‘no’ is your secret weapon.
Don’t dilute your impact by trying to please everyone.
Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.
Prioritize ruthlessly.
Be a Mentor, Not a Manager
Management is about control, but mentorship is about growth.
Shift your mindset.
Your role is to develop your team’s potential, not to micromanage.
Create an environment where experimentation is encouraged, and failures are seen as learning opportunities.
Cultivate Radical Candor
You’ve heard about this famous book by Kim Scott, haven’t you?
So forget sugar-coating and the “compliment sandwich”.
Be radically candid.
Care personally while challenging directly.
Honest feedback builds trust and drives improvement.
Your team deserves the truth.
Constructive criticism delivered with empathy can be a game-changer.
Leadership COULD BE Temporary
Here’s a bold thought → Leadership doesn’t have to be forever.
It’s a phase, not a permanent destination.
If you find it doesn’t align with your passions long-term, step back!
The skills you gain as a leader can make you an even stronger IC later.
Ditch the Hero Complex
You’re not the hero - your team is.
Ditch the need to be the savior of every situation.
Empower your team to solve problems.
Your job is to guide, support, and then step out of the way.
Leadership is a Creative Challenge
Treat leadership like a design problem.
Approach it with creativity and curiosity.
Experiment with different methods, iterate on feedback, and constantly refine your approach.
There’s no one right way to lead.
Prepare for Loneliness
Yep, leadership can be lonely.
You’re no longer one of the gang.
Accept it.
Find a support network of other leaders.
Share experiences, seek advice, and remember that it’s okay to feel isolated sometimes.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Finally, don’t wait for the big victories.
Celebrate the small wins.
Recognize your team’s efforts regularly.
These moments of acknowledgment build morale and keep the momentum going.
Addressing the Worries
1. Never Managed People Before?
That’s okay!
Leadership is a skill you develop over time.
Start by building strong relationships with your team.
Listen to them, understand their needs, and provide support.
Lean on mentors and seek feedback on your leadership style.
2. How It Affects Day-to-Day?
Your day-to-day will shift from being design-focused to strategy-focused.
This means more meetings, more planning, and probably less hands-on design work.
It’s a different kind of busy, but equally rewarding as you see your team grow and succeed.
3. Not Feeling Ready?
It’s okay! No one ever feels 100% ready for a new role.
Trust in the skills and experiences that got you the promotion.
Embrace continuous learning, seek guidance from experienced leaders, and take it one step at a time.
Tips on Easing the Transition
1. Shift Your Mindset:
Going from an IC to a leader means you're no longer just doing the work, you're enabling others to do their best work.
This shift in mindset is crucial.
Think people, processes, and strategic alignment rather than just design details.
2. Build Solid Relationships:
Start by getting to know your team.
Listen to them, understand their needs, and be their support system.
A great leader is someone their team feels comfortable approaching, whether it’s for guidance or a simple chat.
3. Find a Mentor and Seek Feedback:
A mentor can be your guiding light during this transition.
Regularly ask for feedback from your team and peers.
It’s through this feedback that you’ll learn and grow into your new role.
4. Hone New Skills:
Focus on developing strategic thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and time management.
These skills will help you navigate the complexities of your new role.
5. Communicate Clearly and Often:
Keeping your team informed is critical!
Share goals, changes, and expectations clearly.
Good communication ensures everyone is aligned and moving in the same direction.
6. Learn to Prioritize and Delegate:
As a leader, you can’t do everything yourself.
Prioritize tasks and delegate effectively.
Trust your team to handle the details while you focus on the bigger picture.
Delegation empowers your team and frees up your time for strategic tasks.
7. Stay Connected to Design:
While your role is more strategic now, staying involved in design keeps you grounded. Attend design reviews and provide constructive feedback. This connection helps you make informed decisions and stay relevant.
Transitioning from a UX IC to a UX leader could be a big shift, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for growth!
Especially if you embrace the change, focus on developing your leadership skills, and remember that it’s a journey…
You’ve got this!
Hope you found these tips useful.
Till next Saturday,
—Marina
P.S. If you’re enjoying UX Mentor Diaries, will you take 3 seconds and refer this edition to a friend? :)
P.P.S. And if you want to be an even better friend, you can give the gift of UX Mentor Diaries by clicking the button below?
And finally, I’d love your input on how I could make this newsletter even more useful for you! So please leave a comment with:
Ideas you’d like covered in future editions
Your biggest takeaway from this edition
I read every single one of them!
A few ways I can help you:
Get on the waitlist for 1-on-1 UX mentorship with me (you will be notified the moment a spot opens up as at the moment my roster is full).
Follow me on LinkedIn for unconventional UX career tips throughout the week.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
DIY resources I recommend:
Fast-track Designer Bundle (a HUGE collection of resources including UX Portfolio Playbook, UX Interviews Masterclass, UX Management Playbook, LinkedIn Personal Brand Guide and many other amazing playbooks and templates that will take you 0-1 in the shortest amount of time)
Senior Designer Bundle (a complete Notion guide for aspiring senior UXers)
Junior Designer Bundle (make yourself instantly hireable as a junior UXer)
Really nicely written article. I think your points about 1) keeping your hands on the work and 2) being a mentor not manager hit home for me.