indie label research

As a UX researcher, it’s a given that your subject matter expertise–be it in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research–plays an important role in your work. A skilled researcher is an effective researcher. But, doing effective research may not be enough to drive business or customer outcomes. Enter another critical skillset: influence.

There’s a lot to say about influence, but in this post I want to focus on something specific: understanding the power dynamics within your organization and using that knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of stakeholders and decision-makers in a way that puts your research insights at the center of design and product processes.

Politics is part of every organization. Companies are made up of people who have values, interests, pet projects, alliances, and aspirations. Power dynamics are everywhere.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial to making a meaningful impact on the products you work on and to advancing your career. This is influence work. For UX researchers, influencing involves building relationships with the right stakeholders and positioning yourself as a valuable contributor to the organization’s success. UX researchers need a seat at the table when critical decisions are being made.

UX researchers have valuable insights into customer needs and behaviors and need to leverage that knowledge to influence product decisions.

But if you don’t understand the power dynamics within your org, you may not be invited to critical meetings (or have the opportunity to invite yourself) and have your voice heard.

Influence hinges on the relationships you build with your colleagues. Product managers, program managers, content strategists, technical writers, managers, directors, VPs, SVPs, designers, design managers, engineers, engineering managers, other researchers, and research managers. Not sure where to start? Consult the org chart.

These individuals (and teams) have their own agendas and priorities, and understanding them is essential for building trust which, in turn, strengthens influence. By taking the time to get to know these folks and their perspectives, you can better align your research goals with the organization’s objectives and ensure that your insights are valued and applied. By demonstrating your value and impact, you can build credibility and influence within the organization.

Influence is a crucial yet undervalued skill for UX researchers. By understanding the power dynamics within your organization, building relationships with key stakeholders, and positioning yourself as a valuable contributor, you can have a more significant impact on the products you work on and advance your career in the process.