Why Design Thinking is Valuable in Team Management
In our previous article, we explored how Design Thinking helps project managers build stronger relationships with clients by focusing on empathy, ideation, and iterative problem-solving. However, these principles are just as valuable for managing teams internally.
By incorporating Design Thinking into team leadership, project managers can:
Foster a collaborative and open culture where every team member contributes ideas.
Improve communication and alignment on project goals.
Encourage creative problem-solving rather than sticking to rigid processes.
Help teams adapt to changes by embracing iteration and flexibility.
Increase engagement and ownership, making the team feel invested in the project’s success.
Just as co-creating solutions with clients improves project outcomes, empowering the internal team through Design Thinking enhances productivity, morale, and problem-solving capabilities.
Applying Design Thinking with Teams: Step-by-Step Guide & Workshop Ideas
As last time, before diving into problem-solving, project managers must establish trust, engagement, and psychological safety within their teams. While structured workflows and defined roles are essential, team members need an opportunity to build rapport, express themselves freely, and develop a collaborative mindset.
A well-designed icebreaker helps project managers:
Break down formal barriers and create a relaxed, open environment.
Encourage creative thinking before structured problem-solving.
Build stronger interpersonal relationships, improving overall team cohesion.
In our previous article, we discussed the value of icebreaker exercises when engaging clients in Design Thinking workshops. The same principle applies to teams—an engaged and comfortable team will communicate better, generate more creative solutions, and collaborate more effectively.
Icebreaker Exercise: "Two Truths and a Lie—Work Edition"
Objective: Strengthen team bonds, improve understanding of one another, and create a fun, engaging atmosphere before diving into project discussions.
Activity:
Ask each team member to come up with two true statements and one false statement about their professional experience, skills, or work habits.
Example:
"I once led a project for a Fortune 500 company."
"I have worked in three different industries."
"I once accidentally sent an email meant for my manager to the entire company."
Team members take turns sharing their three statements. The rest of the group guesses which one is the lie.
After everyone has shared, discuss any interesting or unexpected revelations.
Why It Works:
Encourages lighthearted interaction, making team members feel more at ease.
Strengthens team connections by uncovering shared experiences or surprising insights.
Warms up creative thinking, setting the stage for the collaborative Design Thinking process.
Just as our previous icebreaker helped engage clients before problem-solving workshops, this exercise fosters internal team connection, which is crucial before diving into brainstorming, prototyping, or workflow optimization.
Each stage of Design Thinking can be applied at different points in team management, from initial planning to project execution and problem-solving. Below are practical applications and workshop ideas to help project managers strengthen collaboration within their teams.
1. Empathize: Understanding Team Members and Their Work Challenges
Why it matters:Just as we previously emphasized the importance of understanding client pain points, it is equally critical for project managers to understand their team’s challenges, motivations, and working styles.
Workshop Idea: Team Persona Mapping
Activity:
Have each team member fill out a short survey or answer key questions about:
Their role and expertise
Their biggest challenges at work
What motivates them
Their preferred communication style
Gather responses and create a Team Persona Map to visualize insights.
Outcome:A deeper understanding of how to support, communicate with, and motivate each team member effectively. Just as stakeholder mapping helps manage client relationships, persona mapping helps optimize team collaboration.
2. Define: Clarifying Team Goals and Challenges
Why it matters:Many teams struggle because goals and expectations are unclear or misaligned. In our client-focused approach, we discussed how defining project challenges using the "How Might We" (HMW) framework creates clarity. The same approach can be applied internally to align team members.
Workshop Idea: “How Might We” (HMW) Team Goal Framing
Activity:
Ask the team to list major challenges they face in completing the project.
Reframe each challenge using the HMW framework.
Example: Instead of "We keep missing deadlines," ask, "How might we improve our workflow to meet deadlines efficiently?"
Prioritize the top HMW questions as a team.
Outcome:Clearly defined team challenges that set the foundation for improved collaboration and problem-solving. Just as this method aligns client expectations, it ensures that internal teams stay focused and productive.
3. Ideate: Brainstorming Creative Solutions as a Team
Why it matters:In the previous article, we discussed how involving clients in ideation makes them feel more engaged. The same principle applies to team management—when employees help shape solutions, they take ownership and contribute more effectively.
Workshop Idea: Rapid Brainstorming & Reverse Thinking
Activity:
Start with Rapid Brainstorming, where team members suggest as many ideas as possible to address the top HMW question.
Then, flip the problem using Reverse Thinking:
Ask, "How could we make the problem worse?"
Example: Instead of brainstorming how to improve workflow, brainstorm how to make it more inefficient.
After generating these "bad ideas," flip them into good solutions.
Outcome:A fun, engaging way to generate fresh solutions while encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. This mirrors the client brainstorming process but applies it internally for better team workflows and decision-making.
4. Prototype: Testing New Workflows and Solutions
Why it matters:Instead of making sweeping changes, project managers can test small adjustments first to see what works best. In the previous article, we highlighted how prototyping early with clients prevents costly last-minute changes. The same principle applies to team processes.
Workshop Idea: Experiment with “Mini-Prototypes”
Activity:
Identify one small change from the ideation session that the team can test within one week.
Example: If workflow efficiency is an issue, try a daily stand-up meeting or a new task management tool.
Assign a "prototype lead" to track feedback.
After one week, regroup to discuss results and refine the solution.
Outcome:A structured way to test and refine solutions without disrupting the entire project. This mirrors how early-stage client prototyping prevents misunderstandings.
Design Thinking is a Leadership Tool
Project managers who integrate Design Thinking into team management can transform the way their teams collaborate, problem-solve, and adapt. By focusing on empathy, creativity, and iteration, they create an environment where teams are engaged, motivated, and continuously improving.
The "Two Truths and a Lie—Work Edition" icebreaker helps establish trust, ease tension, and improve team collaboration—just as we previously discussed in client-focused Design Thinking workshops. By fostering a relaxed and open atmosphere, project managers set the stage for more productive, engaging, and innovative teamwork.
Want to get started? Try a Team Persona Mapping or "How Might We" workshop with your team this week and see how it strengthens collaboration and problem-solving—just as we discussed in our client collaboration approach.
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