How to be an Effective Leader in the Gaming Industry
With the power to lead comes great responsibility. This motto, famously attributed to Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben, not only holds true for superheroes, but also for leaders in the gaming industry. During a talk at Develop Brighton, Sitara Shefta, the head of studio at No Brakes Games, shared her insights on effective management and the core priorities for becoming a successful leader.
Set Values, Hire a Diverse Team, and Prioritize People
According to Shefta, there are three key priorities when building a successful studio. Firstly, set clear values that define expectations for both the team and the leader. Secondly, hire a diverse team, as good ideas can come from anywhere. Lastly, make people the priority, as retaining talent is crucial for the success of both the team and the business.
Shefta emphasized that creating an environment where people feel happy and motivated is essential. By fostering innovation and providing opportunities for growth, leaders can encourage their team members to flourish.
How to Earn Your Team’s Trust and Respect
To build rapport with your team, it is important to earn their trust and respect. Shefta offered several strategies for achieving this:
Lead with empathy
Leading with empathy means considering your team members’ workload and situations. It involves listening with an open mind, acknowledging their perspectives, and providing feedback or decisions with context. This approach fosters trust and transparency, making team members more comfortable coming to you with their concerns.
Sit with your team, where possible
If your team works in an office, sitting among them instead of isolating yourself makes you more accessible. This proximity allows you to participate in conversations and address problems promptly. It also helps build relationships and strengthens the bond within the team.
Engage with everyone on the team
Engaging with each team member, whether in person or virtually, fosters inclusivity and teamwork. By actively participating in conversations and being aware of what each individual contributes, you create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
Keep the team up-to-date with what’s going on
Providing regular updates on projects and the overall business promotes understanding and involvement. When team members feel disconnected or undervalued, it can lead to disengagement. By sharing information and involving them in the decision-making process, you enhance their sense of worth and increase their motivation.
Remove the fear
Creating a safe environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their work and ideas is vital. Encourage open discussions and provide feedback that helps the team find solutions themselves. By removing fear and emphasizing trust, you foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Developing and Maintaining a Positive Studio Culture
Building a positive studio culture requires continuous reflection and improvement. Shefta offered valuable lessons for preserving a positive work environment:
Firstly, leaders should never isolate themselves from the rest of the team based on their position. Encouraging cross-disciplinary communication and teamwork strengthens the bond within the studio.
Secondly, seeking feedback from team members through surveys or other means helps identify areas for improvement. This feedback can be critical in addressing issues and fostering a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.
Lastly, introducing small gestures like virtual coffee breaks or milestone celebrations can go a long way in creating a positive studio culture. These little considerations make team members feel valued and connected.
How Leaders Should Tackle Crunch
Shefta stressed that crunch, the practice of overworking to meet deadlines, is a result of bad management or a toxic culture. Leaders need to take responsibility for preventing or limiting crunch by following these suggestions:
- Set milestone deadlines that prioritize quality over time.
- Identify team members who may be overwhelmed and work with them to reduce pressure or adjust workload.
- Avoid setting unrealistic targets and focus on smaller, incremental steps.
- Use regular reviews to identify risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Avoid overworking yourself and lead by example.
By taking these steps, leaders can create a healthy and sustainable work environment that benefits both the team and the quality of the game being developed.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Inevitably, mistakes will happen, but how leaders respond is crucial. Shefta emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and being transparent:
Acknowledge the mistake and avoid making excuses or blaming others. Owning up to the error earns respect and demonstrates that it is safe for team members to make mistakes as well.
In situations where team members make mistakes, it is not always the leader’s responsibility to fix them. Instead, leaders should guide team members in identifying the issue and finding solutions themselves. This approach fosters accountability and empowers team members to learn and improve.
For persistent problems caused by team members, leaders must take responsibility and address the issue promptly. While it may be difficult to let someone go, it is necessary to maintain a productive and positive work environment for the rest of the team.
How to Survive the Pressures of Leadership Without Going Bananas
Leaders face immense pressure and intense situations, which can take a toll on their well-being. To cope with these challenges, Shefta recommends implementing strategies to reduce stress:
View problems as tasks
When faced with a problem, approach it as a task to be completed. Find a solution and present it to the team, while also seeking input from team members. Remember that the team is there to support you, and this mindset helps alleviate pressure.
Keep your cool
When facing challenging situations or controversial remarks, respond with composure and avoid reacting impulsively. If necessary, take a step back and address the issue when you can approach it with a calm and logical demeanor.
Trust your team
Avoid micromanaging and trust your team to deliver their best work. By empowering team members and giving them autonomy, you foster accountability and motivation.
Build strong working partnerships
Identify individuals within or outside the team whom you can confide in during difficult times. Having someone to share your challenges and concerns with can help alleviate stress and provide valuable support.
Organize and discipline yourself
Be flexible in your schedule to accommodate unexpected challenges. Prioritize tasks and learn to accept that you cannot do everything all the time. Recognize the real impact of not completing certain tasks immediately and be okay with delegating or deferring them if necessary.
Make decisions with confidence
As a leader, you must make decisions regularly. Consider the impact on the team, game direction, and business needs when making decisions. Trust your instincts, but also rely on data and risk assessments when available.
Lastly, Shefta emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself. As a leader, your well-being directly impacts the team and the success of the business. By managing stress and supporting your own well-being, you can lead your team effectively.