Developed by Design — Edition 01
By Design or by Default?
Every professional operates in one of two modes: by design or by default.
We often think of “design” as planning or strategy. But in practice, design is intention.
It’s the deliberate act of aligning how you work with what you value — and choosing your behaviors with purpose rather than momentum.
- Design shows up in the subtle, everyday choices we rarely name:
- Deciding how you enter a meeting instead of rushing in.
- Choosing which conversations deserve your presence, not just your time.
- Setting boundaries that allow you to think and lead.
- Aligning your actions with the impact you want to have — not the pressure of the moment.
Default, by contrast, is what happens when the week takes the lead instead of you.
It’s familiar and fast — but not necessarily intentional.
Default looks like:
- Saying yes before you’ve considered the cost.
- Reacting instead of responding.
- Letting urgency overshadow what actually matters.
- Operating from habits you’ve outgrown.
Most of us move between these two modes without naming them. But naming them is powerful.
Naming reveals choice — and choice is where change begins.
Developed by Design exists to create space for that choice — to pause, to reconsider, and to realign your leadership with intention rather than default patterns.
Design Prompt
This week, ask yourself:
- Where am I leading by design, and where am I operating by default?
- Pay attention for one day.
You’ll see patterns. And once you see them, you can begin to shift them.
About Developed by Design
A monthly thought-leadership series offering tools and reflections for professionals who design their own success — integrating strategy, behavior, and presence in the everyday practice of leadership.