Thinking and Feeling
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 04:11AM 
It's obvious that there is a pattern in the way the group talks about what it does. Design strategists couple feeling with thinking when contemplating any question or problem.
Many identify as designers even if they were trained in something else. Design pervades the discussions we've been having.
The most revealing finding, so far, is that two groups are emerging from our conversations. There are those that are motivated by questions and those that are driven by answers.
These two groups, however, share a common struggle - they take their challenges very personally. It is becoming very clear that strategists live to work and enjoy being consumed by the problem at hand. Living their lives project by project is a lifestyle rather than a job. It is like an addiction, a compulsion and can sometimes careen out of control.
There is a tremendous amount of pride in the group, not because of the
output, but in Kristin Heist's words, "because of the energy." Everyone I've interviewed describes Strategy as the job for them, partly because of the delicate balancing act required to get the right idea. There is an inherent tension when determined strategists tackle very difficult challenges together. Often there are sparks and that is part of the appeal.
Reader Comments (2)
Im INSIDE the computer!
it's a dream come true.
it's a nerd bingo card!
j/k brah.
not really!