Outgoing letter as UXPA Boston President

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve such a talented and dedicated community. Your feedback and involvement over the past year have been invaluable to the success of our community.

After serving as the President of UXPA Boston, I have made the decision to step down from the board and not seek re-election.

This year marked the launch of new offerings for our community, including:

• A new website, along with a new blog and job board, and access to our financial information

• A new member-only benefits page with discounts on tools and educational resources

• 11 installements of our Monthly Speaker Series

• Our first member journey workshop in partnership with Northeastern

• The launch of the UXPA Boston YouTube channel

• The start of informal chapter socials

• The in-person return of the annual UX fair

• Allocating $2500 to support member-proposed initiatives

I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for your support and involvement in making this experience so rewarding.

It has been an honor to serve as your President.

With gratitude,

Nick Di Stefano

President, UXPA Boston

Learning about UX leadership from Jared Spool

Who is Jared Spool?

Jared Spool is a prominent figure in the field of user experience (UX) design and research. Renowned for his expertise and insight, Spool has been a driving force in understanding and advocating for user-centered design. Together, Leslie Jensen-Inman and Jared Spool are Co-CEOs of Center Centre, a leading consultancy specializing in website and product usability. Spool's work extends to writing, teaching, and speaking globally on topics of UX design and strategy.

His contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of UX, making him a respected and influential voice in the design community. He also organizes the Leaders of Awesomeness Community, where UX leaders come to share, reflect, and grow. He is known for his practical approach to UX design, blending real-world experience with a deep understanding of the theoretical aspects of the field.

On UX Leadership

Jared Spool elaborates on the essence of UX leadership. He clarifies that leadership transcends official titles; it’s about having a vision and followers. A UX leader isn’t defined by their role in the company hierarchy but by their ability to spot problems, envision improvements, and inspire change.

For example, a designer recognizing and addressing inefficiencies in design processes exemplifies leadership. Key to becoming a leader is the passion for change and the ability to rally followers around a shared vision.

However, leadership also demands developing skills beyond those of an individual contributor, such as stakeholder communication and outcome focus. These skills can be learned, similar to other professional competencies. You can see my past article on drafting UX competencies for teams.

Actionable Insights

• Vision is Key: Develop a compelling vision for a better future in your UX domain.

• Recognize and Address Problems: Identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement in your current work processes.

• Foster Followership: Communicate your vision effectively to inspire others to follow and support your ideas.

• Passion for Change: Cultivate a strong passion for changing the status quo in UX practices.

• Skill Development: Acquire and hone skills in stakeholder communication, storytelling, and focusing on outcomes beyond your individual contributor skills.

• Learn Continuously: Seek resources like relevant books and articles to enhance your leadership and UX skills.

Ways to Prove You’re a Strategic Thinker

Strategic thinking is a critical skill for career advancement, especially for those aiming for leadership roles. However, more is needed to think strategically; you must also communicate strategically.

Brenda Steinberg and Michael D. Watkins share ten ways to demonstrate your strategic thinking skills.

1. Elevate Your Perspective: Use language that focuses on the broader landscape and the bigger picture, such as discussing the organization's long-term vision or the trajectory of industry innovation.

2. Be Forward-Looking: Demonstrate foresight by discussing future challenges and opportunities and frame discussions around long-term growth and competitors' plans.

3. Anticipate Potent Impacts: Highlight possible outcomes or unintended consequences of decisions to show thorough evaluation and critical thinking skills.

4. Connect the Dots: Illustrate your understanding of systems and interconnections, demonstrating an integrative and holistic thought process.

5. Simplify the Complicated: Break down complex issues into simple, essential terms, indicating a deep comprehension of the topic.

6. Use Analogies and Metaphors: Employ analogies and metaphors to make strategic ideas more relatable and understandable, translating complex jargon into everyday language.

7. Stimulate Strategic Dialogue: Ask reflective questions in conversations to foster a collective strategic mindset and encourage deeper thinking among colleagues.

8. Show You Are Informed: Base your insights on current realities and trends, demonstrating your awareness of the evolving landscape.

9. Practice Strategic Listening: Listen actively to others, building upon their ideas and incorporating diverse viewpoints to enhance discussions.

10. Seek Feedback: After strategic conversations, ask for feedback to show your commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

To excel in leadership, it's essential not only to be a strategic thinker but also an effective communicator of strategic ideas. Those who master both aspects are more likely to advance in their careers.