54. How UX Designers Can Adapt and Thrive with Tom Greever

Are you unwittingly sabotaging team dynamics with an inflexible mindset?

Today’s conversation with the one and only Tom Greever peels back the layers of what it means to be a great designer beyond the pixels and wireframes. Tom sheds light on why being flexible isn’t about compromising your vision, but rather, enhancing collaboration and outcomes.

We get into the nitty-gritty of “design diplomacy,” a term we might use to describe the crucial skill of balancing design integrity with the diverse needs of stakeholders and team members.

Tom articulates why a rigid approach to design can not only hinder the creative process but also the crucial relationships that make great software possible.

So in this week’s episode, you’ll discover how to apply Tom’s principles to your own design practice, enhancing not only your work but also your working relationships.

Topics:
• 05:00 – Many people become difficult to work with
• 09:19 – How do we balance this paradox?
• 12:14 – How do we determine what to fight for if we don’t know why we’re doing it in the first place
• 12:59 – Stop using the “fight” analogy
• 14:49 – No one is suggesting we roll over and do what is asked.
• 17:04 – when it comes to moving forward, context matters
• 18:50 – What can I actually control?
• 22:01 – Courageous followers disagree but commit for the good of the team
• 27:15 – Our job isn’t all about us.
• 28:25 – Advice for ICs to think about the bigger picture
• 37:23 – Practicing emotional intelligence will pay off
• 38:32 – It’s not a binary option It’s both
• 40:13 – At some point, you may decide to quit and
• 41:37 – Stakeholder mapping will help understand the best ways to effect change
• 43:21 – Treat problems with stakeholder relationships like a UX problem to solve

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Tom on LinkedIn
• tomgreever.com
• Articulating Design Decisions

Tom Greever
Author of Articulating Design Decisions

About Tom

Tom has been in the design industry for 20 years, he’s worked at some really cool big-name companies, along with some others you’ve likely never heard of. But you probably know Tom from his incredibly popular book, Articulating Design Decisions

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn

—

Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today’s episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today’s episode, why don’t you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email list. We won’t spam you. Pinky swear.

• Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show
• Support the show on Patreon
• Check out show transcripts
• Check out our website
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Subscribe on Stitcher