“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
This quote has always struck a chord with me, but it feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced world of product design and cross-functional collaboration.

In many organizations, teams of subject matter experts (SMEs) are tasked with defining the path forward. They decide what needs to be done and when it should happen. Their expertise is invaluable, no doubt. But when solutions are dictated from the top, it can unintentionally stifle creativity, reduce ownership, and ultimately block innovation.
Contrast that with the Design Thinking process—a collaborative, human-centered approach where diverse perspectives come together to define problems, brainstorm solutions, prototype, and learn through iteration. When teams are involved in every stage of this process, they gain a deeper understanding of the customer and feel a stronger commitment to the outcome. It’s not just about getting the work done—it’s about crafting meaningful solutions that resonate.
Let’s break it down:
Tell me: SMEs dictate the solution → Teams execute without context.
Teach me: SMEs explain the solution → Teams understand but don’t own it.
Involve me: Teams co-create solutions → Teams innovate, iterate, and deliver meaningful impact.
It’s that last one—involvement—that unlocks true innovation. When teams feel empowered to contribute ideas and experiment, they become more invested in the results. This ownership drives not only better products but also fosters a culture of learning, growth, and continuous improvement.
Think about it: when was the last time you felt truly engaged in a project where decisions were handed down to you without discussion? Probably not often. Now, think about a time when you were invited to collaborate, brainstorm, and build something from scratch. That’s where the magic happens.
Empowering teams isn’t about abandoning expert guidance. It’s about blending expertise with diverse input, allowing teams to explore, question, and create. This balance leads to solutions that are not only innovative but deeply aligned with user needs.
If we want groundbreaking products and solutions, we need to stop simply informing people of the plan—we need to invite them into the process.
So, here’s something to consider: How does your team strike the balance between expert guidance and collaborative problem-solving?
I’d love to hear how you foster innovation and involvement in your work. Let’s keep the conversation going.
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