Redesigning Leadership

Book summary

John Maeda is a designer, computer scientist, author, and former president of the Rhode Island School of Design. He is an executive at Automattic, a web developer, where he aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech world. He has written interdisciplinary books on design and technology, such as The Laws of Simplicity and Design by Numbers.

Leaders today have numerous tools to communicate with their teams, but each comes with its own challenges. While platforms like Skype and email enable broader reach, ensuring clear understanding requires strategies such as using relatable examples to clarify points. Personal touches, even in virtual communication, can significantly enhance engagement, as demonstrated by the author’s use of a handwritten letter to personalize an email. Building a supportive team is equally vital, and respect is earned through genuine appreciation, as seen in Ikko Tanaka’s gratitude gestures or President Obama’s humility in admitting mistakes. Leadership also demands adherence to principles, exemplified by Jerome Wiesner’s dedication to peace and integration of arts and science. Beyond tasks, leaders must embody their values and connect with their teams, stepping out of their offices to foster relationships through management by walking around. For new teams, face-to-face interactions are key to building unity, and regular meetings help address challenges and maintain focus. Productive meetings rely on enthusiastic participants and concise agendas, ensuring discussions remain engaging and purposeful.

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