The following highlights the similarities of leading a product design team and teaching skiing
I live in Denver, CO. I lead a fantastic product design team each week from Monday–Friday. On frequent Saturdays and Sundays and over holidays in the winter I teach skiing at Beaver Creek Resort. Both are roles of privilege and roles that have been earned. In a recent conversation with my dear friend and fellow design leader, Claire Kwon, we talked about the ironic similarities of these two roles as it relates to leadership. She encouraged me to write about it.
In both roles there are situational similarities such as: the days are long and jam-packed without much down time; schedules are full and sometimes the conditions are inflexible. Yet you keep going, adapt and do your best to take care of your own basic needs throughout the day, especially those days without enough time for bathroom breaks or lunch (I know you’ve been there, too.)
There are even more similarities when it comes to providing guidance as a leader/manager/teacher despite the contextual differences. Here are 10 similarities about how leading on different surfaces translates into each context.
- Model expertise and influence
You lead by example. Your actions are watched and you are always being judged. People look to you for guidance, suggestions, protection and safety. Your role is service, expertise and influence.
Design: when presenting you know your audience and adjust your communication and interactions appropriately; you look ahead and communicate the big picture.
Skiing: while in uniform anywhere in the resort and on the mountain you are seen as an expert and people are watching your form, choices and interactions.
2. Have a growth mindset
You keep up on your training and knowledge.
Design: you continuously strive to be a better leader, designer, collaborator, listener and problem solver.
Skiing: you stay up to date on your instructor training and take exams for certification. You also know the mountain terrain and are informed about the daily changing conditions.
3. It’s on you
You are on stage and are accountable for making the best decisions at the time.
Design: you form hypotheses and are decisive about prioritization, staffing, budgeting time and other responsibilities like managing unplanned projects and requests. You take risks and own the outcome.
Skiing: you meet a new client and form the appropriate lesson plan and make the right terrain choices to provide a valuable experience.
4. Coaching for connection
You have the desire and intention for those in your charge to grow and have breakthroughs. This means having a connection with your direct reports, colleagues and clients. You find relatedness through complementary strengths and transferable experiences.
Design: you find ways to align yet celebrate the differences each person brings; you build relationships and leverage the different strengths of teammates to help them find the best approach to problem solving.
Skiing: you learn about other activities clients participate in that will help them transfer these references to the mechanics and movements of skiing.
5. Let them fly (autonomy)
You teach your team/clients so they can have success through autonomy. You give them the stage while you recede into the background.
Design: you provide space for leads and their teams run the projects and find opportunities for them to present to leadership.
Skiing: you guide your clients so they can navigate the mountain terrain after the lesson to ensure they have a confident, successful and enjoyable experience.
6. Know the tools of the trade
You ensure they have all the correct tools/equipment and if they don’t, you resolve this for them.
Design: Your team needs the latest apps like Figma, Miro and others so you make it your job to make it happen so they can successfully do their job.
Skiing: ski boot fit is everything and you know how to dial them into their equipment, and when needed, take them to the best custom fit specialist.
7. Be heads up
You remind them to look ahead.
Design: you coach them to make directional decisions about the product today so it aligns with the grander vision and how these decisions will impact tomorrow’s version (build upon the skateboard).
Skiing: you constantly coach the client to literally actively look around when exploring the mountain since those in front of you have the right of way. You also guide them to watch for terrain changes such as when a run has a blue face which then turns into a black face.
8. Be a helpful human
You practice proper etiquette, performing good deeds, and being approachable. You are kind and respectful and naturally help another in need.
Design: You jump in to help with artifacts for a presentation or reviewing colleagues design; you listen to colleagues at all levels and are inclusive on projects.
Skiing: you help another guest (who is not in your lesson) up from a fall, or help them put a ski back on, or help them find their way around the mountain (“always-on” customer experience).
9. Practice Equanimity
You go with the flow. As unexpected curve balls come your way you maintain and model level-headedness.
Design: if/when a goal, project, or deadline changes, you roll with it. You know adaptability wins every time.
Skiing: you exemplify stellar customer service even with the thorniest guests, although you never compromise safety on the mountain.
10. Be Curious
You listen and ask questions to dig deeper.
Design: you know great ideas can come from anyone. You provide space for these ideas to influence the project and team.
Skiing: you have a learner’s mindset and let the client teach you about what helps them learn and grow. You welcome their feedback about their experience and stay curious so you provide the best lesson experience.
As we navigate leadership roles in various environments, there are many similarities because it comes down to people interacting, communicating, being active participants and having an experience. Be conscious of the role you play as a leader and how you can maximize the experience for all involved, no matter the surface.
