Innovation by Design: How Any Organization Can Leverage Design Thinking to Produce Change, Drive New Ideas, and Deliver Meaningful Solutions

by Thomas Lockwood

The Attributes of Design Thinking Leaders: Uses empathy to understand the experiences of others. Focuses on creating a benefit for the customer. Listens with mutual respect and fearless exploration to understand others. Openly expresses their ideas and what they think, see, and feel. Pursues knowledge by being curious, inquiring, and asking questions. Demonstrates the ability to be vulnerable, including accepting of their mistakes and incompetence. Coaches others, rather than sharing viewpoint and competing with others. Relies on the knowledge and insight of others, and not acting as the lone genius. Strives for self-knowledge and uses the personal power of choice. Uses curious confrontation to effectively manage disagreement and conflict. Aligns their personal purpose in contribution to the organization’s mission.

Attributes of design thinking leaders