Design Thinking at Work: How Curiosity and Storytelling Can Transform Your Career

Imagine walking into your workplace with the energy of a curious explorer, eager to ask questions and uncover new possibilities. This is the essence of the design thinking mindset that Bill Burnett and Dave Evans advocate in Designing Your Work Life. It’s about approaching your career with fresh eyes, a bias to action, and a willingness to collaborate and tell your story.

Curiosity is your natural human state and the source of energy you need to get started. Instead of settling for the status quo or becoming cynical, embrace a beginner’s mind. Ask 'Why?' and 'What if?' to explore new ways of working and relating.

But curiosity alone isn’t enough. You need a bias to action—turning ideas into small experiments, or prototypes, that help you learn what works. Whether it’s trying a new workflow, reaching out to a colleague, or pitching a fresh idea, action generates momentum and insight.

Radical collaboration is another pillar. Don’t isolate yourself; seek diverse perspectives and build relationships. Many of your best ideas will come from others, and working together accelerates learning.

Finally, storytelling is your superpower. Sharing your authentic story helps you connect, influence, and inspire. Stories are how we make meaning and invite others into our journey. They increase your attractiveness and open doors in subtle but powerful ways.

By cultivating these mindsets, you equip yourself with a creative toolkit to redesign your work life. You become a proactive designer of your career, not just a passenger. This approach leads to greater fulfillment, resilience, and impact.

Ready to harness the power of design thinking? Start by being curious today.

Sources: Concepts derived from Designing Your Work Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, supported by insights from Inspirational Book Reviews and Blinkist summaries.