The Quiet Power of Humility in Design Management

When I started my career as a design manager, I was deeply humbled by the depth of expertise of those around me. The specialists around me—each an expert in their field—would delve into technical details that often left me questioning my place in the process. At the time, I thought my lack of specialized knowledge was a weakness. I soon discovered that acknowledging what I didn’t know was not a weakness, but a vital step toward success. Humility became the foundation of my approach, allowing me to step back, listen, and create an environment where every expert could contribute their best—ultimately driving the team toward success.

As a design manager, I learned that my role was not to outshine the experts but to bring them together, align their efforts, and keep the big picture in focus. I had to check my ego at the door and listen with patience and openness, which helped me better understand diverse perspectives and make more informed decisions. Embracing humility allowed me to foster trust, encourage collaboration, and stay grounded in the project’s success criteria. By stepping back and letting others shine in their areas of expertise, I found that the team could thrive—and together, we could achieve outcomes that none of us could accomplish alone.