English Version:15+ Worst Criticism by Design Managers

Fuckilarious Bullshit:15+ Worst Criticism by Design Managers

        In anticipation of his talk this Wednesday evening, Jürgen Salenbacher shares insight and inspiration for change-makers, creative leaders, and visionary modern humans (or more simply, Design Managers!).

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Creative Personal Branding: Adapting Your Mental Model to the World’s Challenges Today

Thank goodness that times have changed for creative professionals. There is more respect and recognition for us, but also more responsibility if we think and talk about our education and dedication to create and grow.

The BA in Design Management is an excellent example of a highly relevant way of educating the type of change-makers, visionaries and creative leaders most companies need urgently to facilitate change of companies’ business model and culture. Sometimes I wish that students and young professionals have more faith, willingness and ambitions to position themselves as a relevant and decisive part of the workforce. Even by daring to develop their own business-model.

Creativity and innovation are no longer rare habits. They form the backbone of economies in transitions. We need to develop a vision to make them part of our work and lives.

In my book Creative Personal Branding we reflect on and reframe what is actually happening with the economy and society, we dedicate time to understand who we are, what interests, skills and interests we have, what new skills and competences we need and where we can get them.

         The recommendation of the European Parliament and Council for ‘life-long learning’ defines eight key forms of competence:

Communication in your native language

Communication in a foreign language

Mathematical competence and basic competence in science and technology

Digital competence

Learning to learn

Social and civil competence

A sense of initiative and entrepreneurship

Cultural awareness and expression

These forms of competence are interdependent. The emphasis in each of them is on critical thinking, creativity, initiative-taking, problem- solving, risk-assessment, decision-taking and constructive management of feelings.

We urgently need change-makers, creative visionaries and leaders, people with these hybrid competences. With substance: real and valuable knowledge and expertise in at least one relevant area that increases effectiveness. We need people with the hybrid ability to synthesise information and combine creativity with business strategy.

We need creative leaders with style: an understanding of aesthetics and the power of design and design thinking.

We need informed, active, responsible and relevant citizens for our global society.

We need creative leaders with conviction: ethics, integrity, beliefs and an idea of how a better world would be.

We need people with grace: the ability to listen and talk within a diverse community, to understand and act within new business realities and sometimes just say ‘thank you’.

We need people who challenge the status quo, contribute to the future and lead their lives to help others. There is a huge demand for people with the emotional and intellectual capacity to relate and react to a complex world in a state of constant flux. We need people who combine substance and style, conviction and grace.

-Jürgen Salenbacher

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