Design leaders often don’t realize that the skills that got them there aren’t the skills that will carry them forward. While to be a great UX/design practitioner is to be a remarkable craftsperson and problem-solver, to be a great leader shifts the focus on relationships, communication, and business-savvy, leveraging these three archetypes:

• Coach (managing down, getting the most out of the team)
• Diplomat (managing across; ensuring design’s voice in the process)
• Champion (managing up; handling executives and stakeholders)