Stop asking for permission to lead

ReBorn Designs / Read Time: 4.4-minutes

The Hidden Cost of Being "Collaborative"

In my early career, I thought I was being a great team player. 

When product managers requested three concepts, I delivered exactly that. When they asked for tweaks, I made them without question. 

I was efficient, accommodating, and completely missing the point.

Then came the moment that exposed the gap in my approach. During a crucial presentation, I was asked a simple question: 

"Which design do you think is best?"

I froze. Instead of offering my perspective, I deflected: "Which one do you think will sell better?"

What I saw as diplomatic, the others saw as directionless.

When we were designing Timberland's Ice Cream shoe, we had to merge their rugged brand with the playfulness of ice cream. This time, I stepped up and led the conversation, ensuring every detail told a consistent story. The result? Over 350K collective likes on Instagram, boosting brand awareness, and resonating with the core consumer set.

Ready to find your voice and direction with your footwear brand?

Book a free Discovery Call here and let's transform your designs from accommodating to outstanding.

The Industry's Uncomfortable Truth

The footwear industry is littered with "safe" designs that checked all the boxes but failed to capture consumer imagination.

Why?

Because designers are afraid of having a point of view. 

But the designers that lead the room never hesitate. 

They have conviction. 

The difference wasn't talent. It was preparation.

The turning point came when I noticed a pattern: the most successful designers weren't just skilled craftspeople – they were confident decision-makers who led conversations instead of following them.

The difference wasn't talent. It was preparation.

I revolutionized my approach:

• Instead of starting with sketches, I started with deep consumer behavior analysis.

• Rather than waiting for market feedback, I proactively studied emerging trends.

• Before touching design software, I immersed myself in competitive research.

The result?

Able to lead with a strong point of view. Speaking with conviction gave my team confidence in my design. 

Now, when I meet a designer who struggles to take a stance, I recognize the gap: 

they haven’t done their homework.

How to do your homework:

Transform yourself from an order-taker to a vision-maker with this strategic framework:

1. Consumer Immersion

   • Study purchase patterns across demographics

   • Analyze wearing occasions and lifestyle integration

   • Track social media engagement and sentiment

2. Competitive Intelligence

   • Map competitor successes and failures

   • Identify market gaps and opportunities

   • Monitor pricing strategy impacts

3. Market Movement Analysis

   • Track material innovation trends

   • Follow sustainability developments

   • Monitor manufacturing capability advances

4. Validation Process

   • Implement systematic testing protocols

   • Gather quantitative and qualitative feedback

   • Document and analyze outcomes

Your Turn.

Start small but be consistent:

• Dedicate 30 minutes daily to consumer research

• Create a weekly competitive analysis routine

• Build a data-driven feedback loop for continuous improvement

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• ⚠️ Don’t mistake social media hype for real market demand

• ⚠️ Don’t overcompensate with overly aggressive designs

• ⚠️ Don’t forget that data should fuel creativity, not replace it

By following this framework, you'll move beyond aesthetics and start designing with authority and impact.

Cheers!
Erin

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