When you’re working on a design team who should handle all the easy “grunt” work

Anyone who has time

Only the leader

Outside resources

Only the most junior members

3 answers

In a design team, the distribution of "grunt" work or simpler tasks should ideally be handled collaboratively based on workload and team dynamics rather than assigned to only one group of people. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

  • Anyone who has time: This is often the most practical approach, as it allows flexibility and ensures that tasks are completed efficiently. Team members can pitch in where there is capacity, helping to maintain a balanced workload.

  • Only the leader: It’s not practical for the leader to handle all the grunt work, as this may lead to burnout and take time away from leadership responsibilities.

  • Outside resources: Utilizing external help can be valuable for specific tasks, but it may not always be necessary or cost-effective for routine grunt work.

  • Only the most junior members: While junior members can handle simpler tasks, it’s important to offer a balanced workload across all levels to promote team cohesion and mutual support.

In conclusion, the best approach is to distribute the grunt work among team members who have the availability, ensuring that everyone contributes and learns from the process.

What’s the answer

The best answer is "Anyone who has time." This approach promotes flexibility and collaboration within the team, allowing tasks to be completed efficiently while preventing any one member from becoming overwhelmed with grunt work.