How managers fail their designers and what to do about it
For the last two year each quarter at Finstar I track how asset managers treat their creative teams. I see three recurring leadership flaws that undermine designers — insights useful both for ICs and VPs.
1. The “Cheap” Manager
Treat with: free their time for actual thinking.
Red flag: they still push for fast, low-quality output despite having time.
Attempt to treat: talk openly about the trade-offs of “fast + cheap.” When they demand both speed and perfection, it’s usually fear for their own job security. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
2. The “Clueless” Manager
Treat with: give an elevator pitch of your workflow.
Red flag: they are insecure about their blind spot.
Attempt to treat: build rapport – take them to lunch, acknowledge what you respect about them. The goal is trust. If they still resist, let your work (or client testimonials) prove your credibility.
3. The “Hands-Off” Manager
Treat with: be upfront about the volume of top-tier work you can produce without recharging.
Red flag: they give you freedom but show no interest in your life or work.
Attempt to treat: this often signals they’ve mentally checked out, shaped by a mindset where rest equals weakness. Test the waters – ask when they last took a break and offer to handle a quick task for them. Sometimes they need permission to rest too.
As teams go global and leaders bring baggage and trauma from places previously unknown to the western world, we’ll see more of fear-based leadership. But nothing's new under the sun – and there’s always a fix.