News: Performance Management
Design consultants identify communication training needs
12 August 2008
Design agency bosses should invest in training to improve workers' communication and project management skills - and thereby convince their clients their ideas are "the right ones".
That is the conclusion of industry body the Design Skills Advisory Panel, whose representatives suggest that, regardless of whether consultancies opt for external or in-house provision, "the important thing is that training of some kind does happen".
A survey carried out by the organisation reveals that 72 per cent of designers admit lacking business management skills, while 44 per cent say they need better communication skills.
Negotiating techniques, presentation skills and director-level training are further design-agency priorities training-wise, according to Packaging News.
The publication cites London-based consultant Pearlfisher as one example of a design firm which operates a system of staff reviews to monitor progress and ascertain the development needs of both individuals and groups.
"We have a copywriter who asked to join a writing group and go on an external training course," noted Jonathan Ford, the firm's creative partner.
The news provider concludes by suggesting that designers often focus on "creativity and ideas" to the point of neglecting business skills which would make negotiation and communication with clients both effective and more fruitful.
