Web directors handle a variety of tasks in their everyday work, so it’s important for them to have a wide range of skills.

Of course, it goes without saying that web directors need to be knowledgeable about website creation and the IT industry. However, after working for a web director for over 10 years, I have come to realize that being a good web director isn’t only about your knowledge of the industry. There are other skills that are actually more important.

In this week’s blog post, I would like to introduce the three skills I think are of the utmost importance for web directors, based on my own experience as a web director.

The 3 Skills All Web Directors Should Have

① Getting straight to the point, even if it’s something difficult to say

Web directors are responsible for keeping projects on the right path and making sure that the project achieves its goals.

I’m sure most of you have had to deal with at least one difficult client who made requests that just weren’t feasible.

Although we need to treat our clients with respect, the customer isn’t always right.

Web directors must endeavor to guide the project on the right path to success, even if this leads to some conflict with clients along the way. Only then can you call yourself a professional web director.

② The ability to think ahead

Web directors always need to think 3 or 4 steps ahead.

One quote that I like to keep in mind is “expect the worst, but do your best.”

By keeping the worst-case scenario in mind, and coming up with the best method to deal with that situation, you’ll be prepared no matter what happens.

For example, each time I send an email, I think:

“How will the recipient feel when they read this email?”

“What kind of questions will they have?”

Imagining their response ahead of time can help you realize what information you should include from the beginning, eliminating unnecessary replies and streamlining your work.

③ Reading comprehension & sharp communication skills

It’s extremely important for web directors to correctly understand what the client is saying.

In addition to paying attention to the client’s actual words, whether communicated verbally or through email, we also need to consider the emotions hidden behind their words.

Humans are emotionally driven creatures. Ignoring  those emotions can cause problems and offend people, even if the response is technically “correct.”

It’s important to be able to accurately understand both the meaning and emotions of words.

What did you think? Are these things that you’re already consciously putting into practice in your own work as a web director?

The success or failure of a project depends on its director.

I hope that both the people who read this article and I myself can continue to improve our skills and grow in our careers.