Leaders of educational and nonprofit organizations face many challenges in their quest to improve learning. From building meaningful partnerships with parents, families, and community partners to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for both the youth and adults they serve. This requires more than just expertise and experience.
Leaders must possess a mindset geared towards learning and continuous improvement if they are to achieve organizational learning excellence. Fortunately, they have a valuable resource at their disposal: designers.
Beyond their specific skill sets, designers have a unique set of dispositions and ways of thinking that have much to offer leaders. By effectively cultivating these qualities, leaders can transform their approach to learning and enhance the overall educational experience and outcomes for those they serve.
What are Designer Dispositions?
Designer dispositions are a collection of characteristics that shape how designers approach their work. These dispositions enable them to navigate complex challenges and generate creative solutions.
Several common designer dispositions most leaders already know are empathy, adaptability, open-mindedness, and creativity.
But there are several lesser-known designer dispositions that can help leaders improve learning. These less popular dispositions offer unique perspectives and approaches that can enhance leadership effectiveness and promote organizational learning.
Lesser-Known Designer Dispositions for Learning Leaders
“The only sustainable solution is one that works for all parties involved.”
Wangari Maathai
Kenyan Environmental Activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
In conclusion, by cultivating these seven designer dispositions, educational and non-profit leaders can improve learning in themselves and ultimately, in their organizations and communities. This approach cultivates a dynamic and flexible learning environment, empowering leaders to effectively meet the changing demands of stakeholders and make a meaningful impact in their community.
Which of these dispositions would you like to strengthen? What’s your wisest next step to cultivate this disposition to improve learning?