If the hat fits, wear it

I never attributed any of my shortcomings to a lack of headgear before, but maybe my friend had a point. He lamented that people don’t wear enough hats. Of course, he was speaking literally, having amassed a sizable collection of fedoras for all occasions, each sporting a notably stingy brim. Hats are part of his visage and his persona. But I caught a whiff of metaphor in his assertion—the specter of specialization—that struck home.

As designers, wearing our designer hat means we bring value by creating a physical thing. However, as we grow in our careers, we realize that this is not enough to bring us out of the murky backwaters of a creative organization.

We need more headgear.

Take the strategist hat, for example. This hat develops your critical disposition, provides an analytical framework and gives you a heightened awareness of the wider, creative landscape. The mediator hat allows you to solve disputes and negotiate deals. The advocate hat helps you be a persuasive presenter of ideas. The counselor hat supplies you with patience and cool to talk your colleagues off the ledge.

My favorite hat is the catalyst hat. As the name suggests, this hat empowers you to create change without being altered in the process. This is particularly helpful when your team needs a spark to reach a solution, and may be your most valuable accessory to rise through the organization. Catalysts are stars.

You never know what the next day may bring. So, bring your gear—you may need it. Hats are making a comeback.