Loyalty

Along with building a reputation of trustworthiness, you want to develop a level of knowledge to support your position as team manager, or at least show that you’re willing to get the information or arrange for team training. For instance, if your background is in casual space games and you move over to next gen development, be sure you know enough about the new genre so your team doesn’t see you as a newbie who talked his way into the job because someone in management owed you a favor.

Even if you already know a great deal about the new venue, there’s a fine line between serving as a trust resource and trying to impress with what you know. (And whatever you do, avoid saying, “Well, when I was in charge of …”)

People tend to be influenced by those whom they trust. This works on the team level as well as the customer level. A game company that consistently delivers quality product and demonstrates that it listens to players will be more successful than one that doesn’t; it’s a simple lesson but a true one.

First Impressions

The adage “You only get one chance to make a first impression” may sound trite, but even in the relatively informal game industry it’s true. Research shows that people tend to make their first impressions within the first three minutes of meeting. Their decisions can be influenced by many visual cues like attire, voice, handshake, grooming, facial hair and facial expressions. People are, after all, still people whether they’re wearing a designer suit or grungy torn jeans.

Company cultures within our industry vary widely. Some are stricter about appearance while others (usually smaller development houses) are more relaxed. Some fall in the middle, requiring “business casual” when the publisher or investor is visiting but permitting “casual Friday” to be really informal. How you present yourself affects the way people perceive and react to you so you need to be aware of what’s required and expected where you work.

In a formal setting, be sure your clothes fit well and are made of quality materials. You don’t need to wear Armani but you want to avoid wearing something that is obviously cheap (there’s a difference between cheap and inexpensive.) You’ll look more polished and professional if you’re comfortable in your outfit, which means breaking in those new shoes before the first day on the job. Savvy senior management will be able to tell whether you’re trying to adhere to the dress code or dressing to impress.

If the setting is informal, even your jeans and t-shirts need to be clean and fit properly. Unless you’re in a position where your skill set is supremely valued no matter what you wear, try not to give in to the temptation to “make a statement” with your attire. You’ll say more about yourself through your work than your logo garb.

What you wear is only part of it. How you carry yourself counts too – your posture can say a lot about your attitude. You don’t need to walk around like a big happy face all the time, but scowling at everyone sends a message too. Unless you’re the famed lone programmer in the room, learn to initiate and return greetings, even if it’s a brief “how ya doin’” around the box of donuts.

Dress codes also vary between countries, so you should be ready to adapt to match the practices of those with whom you come in contact, especially if they’re located in another country. If you’re making a business trip overseas for the first time, talk to HR about customs and appropriate attire – you’re not just representing yourself, you’re also the visible image of your company.

Managing Yourself

Good influencers know how to manage their emotions. Even if they’re having a really bad day, they know not to bring that into the office or inflict it on the team; instead they find ways to channel that negative emotion in a positive way.

Relaxation is your most important aid, because when you are relaxed you can think clearly and respond to challenges. Learn to stay calm, whatever the situation, by practicing relaxation techniques until they become second nature.

If you make mistakes, see them as learning opportunities. Detach yourself from the situation and ask, “What did I learn from that?” Learn to switch off negative self-talk such as, “I am no good at this.”

Always retain your composure so that you are better able to deal with any difficult situations that may arise. Learn to be honest with yourself:

• I keep being late for meetings including the ones I’ve called
• I get stressed when coping with problems so I don’t listen as well as I should
• I do not like being interrupted so I steamroll over others

Take some time out to think about your talents, strengths and long-term goals. What interests you most about your work? It could be writing, planning, or human relations among many other things. In the long run, you are more likely to be successful at your ob if you are interested in what you are doing.

Be clear and realistic about your limitation. Ask yourself what support you need from others and then set about getting it.

Think about where you want to be in a year’s time. Imaging what your initial steps could be for achieving those goals.

• Believe in your ability to achieve your goals and motivate others
• Welcome new challenges but don’t abandon your commitments
• Always strive to improve your skills and don’t be afraid to learn from others
• Learn from comments about your work even if it’s negative
• Accept responsibility as long as you’re no doing it for the power
• Never become complacent

The mnemonic “SMART” will help you clarify your goals.

• Be specific about what you want.
• Make sure that you can measure results.
• Be sure that your goal is at least remotely achievable.
• Ask yourself if the goal is relevant.
• Always consider the timing in terms of the current environment, access to necessary resources, and the team’s ability to reach the goal by a set date.

Learn to Listen

One of the biggest complaints employees have about management is “They don’t listen!” Nothing is more annoying that talking to someone who appears to be listening but pounces on the end of your sentences with a “Yes, but…” and then launches into his own platform. What he’s really listening for are pauses in your breathing so that he can take control of the conversation. Remember to ask other people for their ideas before presenting yours. You don’t have to be right all the time and you don’t have to know everything.

Nonverbal behavior (facial expressions and body language) provides important clues to people’s emotions. By paying attention to these you can fine-tune your approach. Watch out for signals that may indicate a person is drawing away from you or moving toward accepting your idea.

• In American business culture, folded arms, hands and a lack of eye contact indicates fear, defensiveness, indifference or withdrawal. (In other cultures these may actually be signs of respect!)
• A positive expression, direct eye contact and an open posture signal interest.
• Tense posture might indicate fear or withdrawal, but it could also be caused by stress factors outside of work so it’s important to look for other non-verbal signs
• Forward-leaning posture shows attentiveness