In my discussions with designers and design leaders a recurring issue that comes up is failure. Working in complex environments like today’s organisations I view failure as necessary to the experimentation process, and critical for learning and adapting.

At the same time, I see on an individual level as well as organisations a real fear of failure. (I can confirm this in myself).

During my conversations with design leaders, I often emphasis the power of asking question of their stakeholders more then speaking specifically about design. This has a few advantages. By asking questions you are demonstrating that you are curious and this creates and empathic relationship.