Design Thinking Leadership

This program is aimed at leaders at any level who want to build a deeper understanding of what design thinking is, how it is applied, and how to plan to begin implementing it in their organization.

• Appreciate the core principles and appropriate use of design thinking in organizations
• Comprehend the design thinking process and how it unlocks organizational creativity and agility
• Learn the essential tools and tactics used in the application of design thinking
• Apply design thinking to develop innovative new products, services and processes
• Organize and lead a design thinking session
• Maximize organizational learning through experimentation, while minimizing overall risk

DAY 1: Introduction to Design Thinking

Module 1: The Changing Business Context

• Disruptive forces driving the collapse of the traditional business model
• How leaders are using design thinking to nurture a collaborative, innovative culture 
• Divergent vs. convergent thinking and the double-diamond framework
• Core principles of design thinking and common variations

Module 2: The Designer’s Toolbox

• Ideation and different techniques
• Affinity clustering, dot-voting and prioritization
• Empathy mapping, personas and journey mapping
• Reframing and how-might-we statements

DAY 2: Applying the Design Thinking Method

Module 3: Failing Fast to Success 

• Thinking like a designer
• Developing and testing solutions
• Prototyping and the value of failing fast

Module 4: Design Thinking Leadership

• Cultivating a creative culture
• Principles and practices of design-driven leadership
• Effective story telling
• Planning a design thinking session

For financial assistance opportunities, please refer to Financial Assistance, Scholarships and Team Rates .