Why do they need you?
Producer Jerry Weintraub once said “Why do they need you?” What is it about you that makes you unique. For example, what is it about Matt Damon, that makes him a great actor for the roles he plays? What is it about Brad Pitt? What makes him unique and irreplaceable?
Designers are seen by what we produce for a company which provides short and long term value to its customers and thus the business. But this quote makes me see my role differently. It’s not just about providing any service that the client or company needs, but rather providing the services that each of us is uniquely well suited to provide.
This is why they need you and not someone else, because the value you provide, and what they need overlaps. It's a powerful way to see your value, what you should say yes to (that which you are well suited to), and what you should say no to (that which you could do, but isn't something you are great at).
Why they need you is the difference between work that's uniquely yours, and work where the designer is easily replaced.
Asking “why do they need you?” drives forward further questioning:
- What are your key skills you bring that provide value to the company?
- What do they value? What are the traits they are looking for? Do they align with what you value? Are you doing the work that you value but they don’t? Are you doing the work that they value but you don’t?
- What do you value? What are the things that make you you? That you bring to your work that make you feel alive and fill your work with soul?
- Why do you need them? What is it about the work and the company that fill you with joy, and fill your soul? Is it just the money? Or are there things that fulfill you? What are those things?