There’s a scene in the first Matrix film where a newly freed Neo progresses through his training, gains confidence, and even one-ups his mentor Morpheus in a sparring contest. Seeing how Neo is ready for the next level, Morpheus leaps a giant gap from rooftop to rooftop and invites Neo to follow him.
Flush with confidence from his past successes, Neo convinces himself that he can make the same leap and attempts to follow his mentor.
Only to fall flat on his face.
Me “doing strategy” for the first time as a designer. From “The Matrix.”
This was my first experience as a principal product designer.
When I was first promoted beyond Senior Product Designer, I was glad to work at a higher level and help steer larger company initiatives. As part of this transition, doing “strategy” was added to my job description. I was already a master of my craft, but that was no longer enough on its own.
Fair enough, I can learn a new skill.
Only problem is I didn’t know what strategy was.
I started reading books, saving articles, shadowing product managers, and seeking out mentors. It felt like I was learning, but I still couldn’t hold my own in strategic conversations. I didn’t know how to apply what I’d learned.