What are ways for Product Managers to build trust and rapport with their designers?

Show that you value designers’ craft and input by involving them early and frequently.

When I joined LinkedIn, and later worked on products at Zoom, I made it a point to bring designers into the problem stage, well before solutions were decided, and shared user insights, metrics, and growth goals openly. I pay attention to details like typography and the nuances of information hierarchy, and when I defend a particular design investment, I’ll tie it back to a specific user metric or growth outcome.

This not only validates the designer’s effort but also shows I’m invested in understanding their perspective.

• Invite designers to data deep-dives so they feel connected to the “why.”

• Encourage open critique sessions where both product and design can suggest improvements.

• Celebrate design wins publicly and highlight the impact on user behavior or growth metrics.