As the global economy is slowly recovering it seems that some industries come back stronger than ever.
But how is this with the design industry? We have seen many lay-offs and we see a renewed focus among designers and design managers on creativity instead of efficiency and effectiveness. But are they prepared to cope with the dynamics of the future markets and what are the competencies do they need to cater for?
I was shocked to read the gap between Western leaders and Indian leaders when it comes to the point of people development. Only 7% of the Western leaders take this as a strategic focus whereas 48% of the Indian leaders do![1]
Let this be an important lesson for at least the design industry. Educating, training and developing your designers and design managers should be at the core of the design strategy as most of them only have a limited background and learn by doing on the job in a less professional way.
There’s a lot outside there in the market place to catch up. One can see many generic educational and training programs that merge business or innovation or technology with design as well as the emerging of specific programs in areas such as leadership, sustainability or social responsibility.
Also PARK’s route to give in-company design management training can be an effective way as it could cater better for your specific needs.
I would say go back to the drawing board to shape a strategy for the competency, skill and knowledge development for your designers and maybe for yourself.
Don’t approach this too instrumental. Next to personal development people also need a sense of mission, transparency and accountability!
[1] Peter Cappelli, Harbir Singh, Jitendra V. Singh and Michael Useem, Havard Business Review, Issue March 2010, pages 90 tot 97.
Tags: india, innovation, leaders
I would agree with a considerable amount of information provided by the article and was indeed shocked at the comparative data. I, for one, can testify the organisations motives targeted at personal development. In fact we are even encouraged to contribute towards the development of industry intelligence + areas of Education and Research pertaining to design
However there is an insight that is very peculiar to India.
On one hand most organisations invest/spend tremendously in human resources, whereas on the other hand the psyche of most Indians is embedded with thrift and frugality that is inherent to our culture which makes us cost conscious as well as cost effective.
And a fine balance of the aforesaid traits, make India a lucrative bet for most business enterprises.