Design Leadership

What does it take to be the leader of a design firm or group? We often assume they have all the answers, but in this rapidly evolving industry they're forced to find their way like the rest of us. So how do good design leaders manage? If you lead a design group, or want to understand the people who do, this insightful book explores behind-the-scenes strategies and tactics from leaders of top design companies throughout North America.

Based on scores of interviews he conducted over a two-year period--from small companies to massive corporations like ESPN--author Richard Banfield covers a wide range of topics, including:

How design leaders create a healthy company culture

Innovative ways for attracting and nurturing talent

Creating productive workspaces, and handling remote employees

Staying on top of demands while making time for themselves

Consistent patterns among vastly different leadership styles

Techniques and approaches for keeping the work pipeline full

Making strategic and tactical plans for the future

Mistakes that design leaders made--and how they bounced back