Innovation has been one of my richest sources of leadership lessons, often revealing insights in the most unexpected ways. Watching an innovation workshop that, at first, seemed unrelated to my world, I discovered the profound principles of Design Thinking. These mindsets and practices—crafted for creativity—hold just as much power in guiding leadership as they do in shaping innovation.
Design Thinking is fundamentally a human-centered approach to problem-solving, organized around five key stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Although organizations may use varying terminology, the core of Design Thinking remains the same empathizing to uncover needs, creatively prototyping ideas, and refining solutions through iteration. It’s not just a method for producing innovative solutions; it’s a mindset that challenges conventional thinking and unlocks powerful applications for leadership and personal growth.
Over the past decade, I’ve discovered valuable connections between innovation and leadership that can benefit anyone in a leadership role. Here are some essential mindsets and lessons from Design Thinking that can strengthen our abilities as leaders. By embracing these principles, we can lead with more empathy, creativity, and adaptability, making a positive impact on our teams and organizations.
- Keep People at the Center. Human-centered design emphasizes the end user—the person who will ultimately benefit from a product, service, or system. In this approach, the problem is framed in terms of what would be transformative for them, with ongoing feedback ensuring that the solution truly meets their needs. Leadership operates similarly; it’s about the people you are entrusted to guide. Reframing leadership as human-centered prompts us to ask: What do your team members need from you? What motivates them? How can you empower them to excel? Keeping your people at the center of your leadership—and your end users at the center of your work—drives meaningful impact.
- The Power of Curiosity. Curiosity is foundational to Design Thinking. It encourages us to set aside assumptions and approach problems with a beginner’s mindset—observing, questioning, and experimenting to deepen our understanding. A simple yet powerful phrase, “Tell me more,” invites deeper dialogue and fosters meaningful insights. This practice not only enhances empathy but also diffuses tension in difficult conversations. In a world rife with division, embracing curiosity can transform interactions. The next time a conversation becomes tense, challenge yourself to ask questions and seek to understand before asserting your own viewpoint. You may discover something valuable.
- Getting It Right Over Being Right. Keeping your focus on those you aim to help requires a commitment to getting it right for them. This mindset necessitates seeking candid feedback and genuinely valuing it. Personally, I’ve found this to be one of the toughest lessons to embrace, especially as a perfectionist who has often been rewarded for having the right answers. Initially, I hesitated to share my rough prototypes, fearing judgment. However, I learned that this reluctance only protected my ego and hindered my ability to help others effectively.
This principle extends beyond design to all areas of life. To become a better leader, ask your team how you can support them more effectively. To improve personally, seek feedback from those who know you well and ask them to elaborate on your strengths and areas for growth.
Reflecting on these unexpected leadership lessons from innovation reveals that Design Thinking principles provide insights far beyond problem-solving. By focusing on people, embracing curiosity, and valuing getting it right over being right, we can foster a more effective, human-centered approach to leadership. These insights encourage us to move beyond traditional methods, reminding us that leadership is ultimately about connection, empathy, and growth—for ourselves and those we lead. As we navigate the complexities of our roles, let’s commit to leading with empathy and curiosity, creating a positive impact within our teams and beyond.