The Problem Space is where we go to learn about our users’ problems so we can design and develop meaningful and profitable solutions to solve these problems. It’s also where we go to learn about our companies, our employees/coworkers, and ourselves, so we can create the best organizational conditions for success.
Hey, Research Heroes! We need you. Here's how you can help
What's on my mind
Have you identified the Research Heroes at your company? Or maybe you are one yourself?
Researchers cannot be impactful if they work in isolation.
Collaboration often starts with Research Heroes.
In my latest article, I give tips to researchers who want to find and partner with Research Heroes.
Once you identify them, here are some tips about how to partner with them:
- Involve them in the research process. We’ve heard this time and again, but the more you include them, and the more they learn about what you do, the more they can evangelize your work to others. You know the drill: This could involve inviting them to participate in research sessions or providing them with access to research findings.
- Encourage them to vocalize their advocacy. These individuals can be powerful advocates for research within the organization. This could involve inviting them to speak at company-wide meetings or providing them with the resources they need to champion research in their teams.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey! I’m a Research Hero!” If this describes you, here’s how you can make yourself known to your researchers:
- Reach out to that lonely solo researcher! Be aware that researchers—especially when their profession is new to a company (and they’re the only one in the role)—can feel quite alone in carving out their space. Knowing that others support them can be a huge morale boost.
- Seek out their mentorship regarding the research process. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have misconceptions about what research is. But if you learn your researcher’s process and teaching methods, you can better advocate for their approach company-wide.
- Help them make their insights actionable. This is a huge challenge in the research world—making research insights actionable to other stakeholders. And the best methods vary from company to company. What they did in their last job might not land in your organization. A little brainstorming and support can do wonders for the “actionable” in actionable insights.
- Promote a research culture. Celebrate research wins and promote insights that made a difference. These actions are invaluable—you are helping to make it clear that research is valued within the organization.
Read my whole article up at Dovetail: No researcher is an island: find your research heroes.
Have you worked with a Research Hero before? How did you identify them, and how did you partner up?
Let's work together
A couple weeks ago, I launched my coaching page for early career research leaders, along with some promotional offers. I'm excited about the response, and still have a few slots to fill for the coming months.
Are you an early career research leader yourself? Are you a product or design leader managing a research leader who could benefit from contact with another research expert? Please reach out!
Read more and schedule some time on my coaching page.
The Problem Space
The Problem Space is where we go to learn about our users’ problems so we can design and develop meaningful and profitable solutions to solve these problems. It’s also where we go to learn about our companies, our employees/coworkers, and ourselves, so we can create the best organizational conditions for success.
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