Are you truly heard, or just nodded at?

Meetings might shape ideas and decisions, but the most valuable insights often emerge after they end. Once the formality fades, stakeholders speak more openly, revealing what they really think. So, what do you do when the meeting ends, and the real work begins?

Hi, Kocha here—welcome to part five of my review of Tom Greever’s Articulating Design Decisions. This final episode explores how to capitalise on the “meeting after the meeting” to maintain momentum, build trust, and manage changes effectively. Let’s dive in.

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Follow up like a pro

The faster you follow up, the more you show urgency, value, and decisiveness. But follow-up isn’t just ticking boxes—it’s about providing clarity and showing leadership. A good follow-up includes:

1. Thanks: Acknowledge contributions.
2. Recap: Summarise key points and decisions.
3. Next steps: Define clear expectations.

💡 Pro tip: Filter out unnecessary noise from your notes. Ask yourself:

• What’s this person’s true intention?
• Do others align with their perspective?
• Is this feedback worth revisiting later?

By addressing ambiguity, you position yourself as the decision-maker who keeps things moving.

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Build the bank account of trust

Every professional relationship works like a bank account. You make deposits (trust, expertise, results) and withdrawals (changes, compromises, or mistakes). Building trust isn’t about always being right—it’s about setting expectations and showing reliability.

Sometimes, letting stakeholders make a small change—even one you disagree with—can be a strategic deposit. The goal? Build a relationship where their default is to trust your judgement instead of questioning it. Success lies in knowing which battles to fight and which to let go.

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Navigate changes with confidence

Changes are inevitable. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, unmet user needs, or even unreasonable demands, here’s how to manage them:

• Listen first: People want to feel heard. Respond only after understanding their concerns.
• Understand the why: Is it a misunderstanding or a genuine issue?
• Act decisively: If ambiguity persists, make a decision and communicate it clearly.

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Own it when you’re wrong

No designer gets it right every time. When metrics fall short, deadlines slip, or your solution doesn’t resonate, accountability is key. Transparency, paired with action, strengthens relationships:

• Acknowledge the issue: Focus on resolving the problem rather than justifying it.
• Manage expectations: Adjust goals proactively and communicate clearly.
• Regain trust: Show how you’re iterating and improving.

Failures are opportunities to demonstrate resilience and rebuild credibility.

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Elevate design’s role at the table

For organisations struggling to embed design thinking, the problem is often a lack of design leadership. To drive meaningful change, designers need a seat at the executive table. When design influences decisions at the top, the result is better products, stronger alignment, and long-term success.

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Key takeaways

Every conversation, decision, and follow-up is a chance to strengthen your influence as a designer. Whether you’re managing feedback, building trust, or owning mistakes, success depends on relationships.

As Tom Greever reminds us, relationships are built on clear communication and mutual understanding. So, ask yourself: Are you being heard—or just nodded at? The answer might lie in what happens after the meeting ends.

What’s next? Stay tuned for my review of an exciting new book—spoiler: it’s one every designer should read. Thanks for following along—chat soon! ✌🏼

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Book summary episodes from Tom Greever’s “Articulating Design Decisions”

Ep.1: What makes good design good?

What makes good design good? It’s not just solving problems or being user-friendly—it’s ensuring your design is supported by everyone: your product team, your company, and your customers. The secret to gaining that support? Effective communication!

Ep.2: The secret to better communication

Improving communication with stakeholders isn’t about fancy presentations or endless updates. It’s about building genuine relationships and understanding what drives the people who influence your project.

Ep.3: When do designers miss opportunities most?

Never assume your design will speak for itself—design the narrative too. Meetings are your opportunity to convey your vision clearly and inspire buy-in. With well-designed meetings, you’ll avoid missed opportunities and turn stakeholders into advocates for your work.

Ep.4: Who drives design decisions

It’s not just designers who shape the outcome—it’s stakeholders, users, and the broader organisation. By tying your decisions to goals and using frameworks like IDEAL, you can transform doubt into confidence.

EP.5: Are you truly heard, or just nodded at?

Meetings don’t end when people leave the room. This episode highlights how to capitalise on post-meeting moments to clarify decisions, build trust, and keep momentum moving forward.