When I first switched from being a researcher to a digital product designer early in my career, it was driven by my passion for creating tangible products. As a former industrial design student, I relished the chance to turn ideas into reality, and returning to a design role allowed me to focus on my craft. Back then, I was new to digital design and had to relearn Figma while working as an individual contributor. That transition didn't bother me at all because I love exploring Figma, and being an individual contributor meant having full control of my work, which satisfied my perfectionism. As I settled into my routines, time passed quickly until I reached a senior position. Looking back, I thought I would just continue focusing on being a senior individual contributor. I never saw myself in a managerial role until I got the unexpected offer from my lead.

To me, being a manager means empowering others. You don't focus solely on the work itself but on enabling your team to succeed. This kind of terrified me at first because it made me accountable for someone's well-being. As a first-time manager, it was normal for me to doubt myself because managing and designing are two different skillsets. This naturally made me question myself: "Am I capable of nurturing others?" "Can I be a good role model?" "What if I'm wrong?"

Despite the self-doubt, I finally chose to embrace the opportunity for growth. I found comfort in the support of my lead and colleagues, knowing that even in this new role, I still had room to learn and reflect. My lead saw potential in me, and I was determined to trust that judgment by taking this leap of faith.

Now, after nearly a year in this role, I'd like to share some key reflections and learnings as a design manager overseeing two design teams:

It's okay to not always have the answer.

Acknowledging my limitations and seeking help when needed demonstrates true leadership. It's important to identify issues and know when to consult others, rather than pretending to know everything. This is one way to emphasize that even as a leader, you will not stop learning.

Make the most of your team's potential. Let them shine and cheer from the back.

Effective management is about creating opportunities for my team to grow. By understanding their personal goals and strengths, I can help them thrive while supporting them from the back. It also requires the acceptance of not always being at the front of the stage, and that's totally okay.

Your team sets you up for success; trust your team and always be ready to back them up.

A successful manager relies on a strong, empowered team. By fostering trust and providing support, I not only enhance team performance but also make my work easier because everyone is empowered to do their own work. This enables me to focus on other pressing matters.

Growth is personal, but we can shape it.

While each team member drives their own growth through personal motivation, my role is more about guiding and supporting their development by aligning opportunities with their aspirations and potential. This helps me to avoid stressing over something that I can't control because each person has their own pace, and not everyone wants to climb the career ladder.

Get to know them personally, not just professionally.

Understanding your team members on a personal level fosters empathy and stronger bonds. By listening to their stories and creating a safe space for them to share their experiences, you build stronger, more supportive relationships. It helps me to perform more effective problem-solving with each of my team members.

Double down on strengths.

This is a growth strategy that I learned the most from my current company. Focusing on and leveraging team members' strengths often yields better results than stressing over their weaknesses. It fosters growth by building on what individuals do best and celebrating their unique contributions.

Be fair over kind.

As someone who used to care too much about others' opinions, I've learned that fairness often trumps kindness in leadership. Kindness can sometimes shield individuals from accountability, while addressing mistakes directly promotes growth and understanding within the team. By prioritizing fairness, I ensure equitable treatment and foster a stronger, more trusting team dynamic. In this way, fairness is a deeper form of kindness that supports long-term success.

So far, my experience as a design manager has been rewarding. It allows me to learn new skills and unlock hidden potentials in me (I mean, my past selves would have never thought that I would enjoy managing others!). Instead of losing my creative side, being a manager has taught me to channel my creative thinking in a wider spectrum and shape me into a better person (and yes, I still design sometimes). I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn, and excited to see what lies ahead