How to Address the Signs


The first thing to do when spotting a potentially unhappy employee is to talk with him or her. If you see any of the aforementioned signs, it is your job as a manager to find out what is going on. Obviously, you would deal with someone who has personal issues differently than with someone who has work-related issues, but you must uncover the issues first. Use questions such as: What do you think about this project? Is there anything you would like to have done differently? How would you handle this situation? (A good question to ask in instances when there are known problems with the project.) The answers to these questions can reveal a considerable amount of information about why the person is unhappy and what can be done to improve the situation.

Open communication is the key to spotting and addressing these signs. Is someone coming to you repeatedly about the same problem, even if you have addressed the problem? This probably means that you have not provided an acceptable solution for this person. You need to be open with this person and find out why he or she are dissatisfied. You cannot be all things to all people and some people will never be happy with what you do; however, some might have specific, fixable, reasonable requests. If you can discuss these reasons with them, you come closer to having a happier employee and creating a better environment.

As a manager, you need to be able to deal with all personality types effectively. Some team members respond well to blunt criticism, while others need more guidance and nurturing. Some people might be motivated by tight deadlines and will do their best and most productive work while they are in crunch mode. You need to deal with your team as both individuals and a team. You need to create the best working environment you can for the individual, while still doing what is best for the team.

Case Study 4.6.1: Real-life Team Leader Tales of and Tips for Success

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In a GIGnews interview, a veteran, seasoned producer, and an art studio director, of a game development company in Austin, revealed some of their keys to successfully forming and keeping a happy team. Their story is comparable to that of the phoenix rising from the ashes and truly displays what a group can overcome and accomplish when working together as a big happy family. The art director briefly outlined the history of the studio, how it grew from 4 to almost 40 employees; they were purchased by a large international publisher that then suffered a bankruptcy; the studio kept going with self-sustaining cash flow from contracts and opted for their freedom again, forming their own company. He tells it so matter-of-factly that it is easy to forget the fact that the company that owned them filed for bankruptcy. How were they able to keep every single studio member during such incredible upheaval when other companies lose scores of employees for reasons that pale by comparison?

The studio management credits their ability to conquer what could have been a devastating situation to not only having two of the finest development teams in the industry, but also some extremely talented senior managers who kept cool heads through the many chaotic transitions. The team worked diligently to keep everyone together and focused on the future of their newly formed company. The producer kept the team on track and healthy, and acted as liaison with the publisher. Having a skilled support staff that stayed focused on getting the group up and running enabled the development team to stay focused on making games. "As far as the teams were concerned," says the producer, "we tried to make it as seamless as possible."

The leaders of the studio put forth the necessary effort to maintain the talented folks that they had. Although saddened by the news of the parent company's bankruptcy, they knew it was their obligation to complete their contracts in good faith for their clients. "Taking this responsibility seriously, weathering the resultant difficulties and seeing these projects through were conscious decisions on the part of every team member," says the art director.

When specifically asked what the magic is in assembling that kind of team and keeping it together, the art director stated that starting with a core of experience and honesty in establishing a studio that encourages the inclusion of ideas and abilities from all team members is paramount to success. He also stressed that management's purpose is to create an environment conducive to creativity and problem solving.

In conclusion, the producer emphasized that the key to keeping a team happy is to be as honest as possible, and provide as much information as you can.

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Secrets of the Game Business
Secrets of the Game Business (Game Development Series)
ISBN: 1584502827
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 275

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