If a designer shows you work in progress, it’s a great sign. It means they’ve moved beyond a fear that all you’ll see is the broken stuff to a willingness to collaborate with you. Look at it in the spirit of collaboration. Ask questions about what they’re showing. Talk about where they’re headed with it. Feel free to ask if there’s any feedback

• If you agree with it, implement it.


• If 3 out of 10 people have the same feedback and you’re ambivalent about it, I'd incorporate it if it’s just a quick change.


• If 4 or more out of 10 have the same feedback and you disagree with it, you are wrong. Check your assumptions and

What all good responses have in common is this: they find value in the initiation.

When in doubt, try what improv actors call “Yes, and …”: accept whatever the other person just said, then add a comment that builds on their point.