Cultivating Design Champions
Involvement
Leadership
Designer Growth
Organization
ServiceRocket
Summary
Built a growth-focused design team at ServiceRocket. Hired passionate Gen Z designers & nurtured their skills with a data-driven framework. Embraced their strengths (bite-sized learning, experimentation) & empowered them with high-impact projects.
70
%
Improvement in design delivery speed
100
%
Designer retention rate
When I first stepped into the Design Lead role at Servicerocket, the team consisted of just two talented designers. As the organization's needs grew, so did the design department. However, my vision wasn't simply to build a bigger team; it was to cultivate a group of passionate, growth-oriented designers who would propel Servicerocket's design maturity forward.
Building a Team of Design Evangelists
Attracting the right talent wasn't just about skills – it was about seeking individuals who shared my hunger for design excellence and a drive to elevate design's influence within the company. I looked for designers with a strong skillset, a positive attitude, and an eagerness to learn and push boundaries. I wanted them to be not just skilled designers, but also autonomous design advocates, championing design thinking across Servicerocket.
"Hakim is not one to settle for mediocrity. If the sky is the limit, he would find a way to push past it and set a new benchmark. That is the Hakim Nizamuddin that I work with. "
Fueling Growth Through a Data-Driven Framework
To empower these designers, I implemented a growth framework inspired by Shannon E. Thomas's "Growth Matrix for VanMoof." This framework allowed for data-driven self-improvement across various dimensions: capabilities, interpersonal skills, and organizational culture. It fostered the development of "T-shaped" individuals – well-rounded designers with strong core skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
This framework, coupled with opportunities to work on high-impact projects, proved to be a recipe for rapid growth. The designers honed their skills at an impressive rate, experiencing an average delivery speed increase of 70%. More importantly, they thrived in an environment that encouraged experimentation and learning.
Beyond the Stereotypes of Gen Z
My team primarily comprises Gen Z designers, a generation often stereotyped as "lazy." I, however, chose to understand their working style rather than subscribe to generational biases. Recognizing their preference for bite-sized learning and their eagerness to learn, I encouraged them to actively participate in high-stakes projects while carving out space for experimentation.
This approach paid off in spades. Not only did my designers showcase exceptional productivity, but also equally impressive is our team retention rate – 100%. This speaks volumes about the positive, supportive environment we've cultivated.
"He has been such an understanding and fantastic design mentor. The experiences and knowledge he has shared with me have been instrumental to my growth as a designer. Frankly, I wish I had met Hakim earlier on in my design career."
Growth is a Shared Journey
My experience has underscored the importance of fostering a growth-oriented team culture. By seeking designers who are passionate about learning and empowering them with the right tools and opportunities, you can build a team that surpasses expectations. Remember, it's not just about the skills on a resume; it's about finding individuals who share your vision and are eager to push the boundaries of design together.
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Hakim Not Inc. 2024