Recently Promoted to Lead? Here Are 5 Things To Do First
Discover how lots of new game studio leaders navigate rough waters in their first years as leaders and strategies to ace leadership without formal training.
Understand the leadership gap facing new managers in game studios and the impact of insufficient training on team performance.
Explore five effective strategies for new leaders to build strong team relationships and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Embrace the role of a lifelong learner in leadership, leveraging challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation in the game industry.
I’ve noticed something cropping up that you might face now. You’ve stepped up and taken on a leadership role in this game studio, but here’s the kicker: often, there’s this gap in leadership training for folks like you who’ve been promoted from individual contributor roles. You’re not alone in this. Credible sources, from Forbes to LinkedIn and Fast Company, all echo this point, citing research by CEB (now part of Gartner), which tells us a whopping 60% of new managers find themselves in rough waters within their first 24 months.
Here’s the thing – most studios, maybe even yours, might have missed a beat on providing that crucial onboarding for new leaders, banking on the idea that being great at your job technically means you'll automatically be great at managing others. But there's a catch. It's about self-awareness, too, knowing what you’re good at and where you might need to buckle up a bit.
And here’s where it gets real. When leaders find their footing, it's not just about them. Their team feels it, too. If things aren’t smooth, reports show performance can dip by about 15% among direct reports. Even more telling, there’s a 20% higher chance these folks might check out or leave. Gartner spells it out clearly – it’s often not the company they’re leaving; the management experience drives them away.
So, what does this all mean for you? It's a heads-up, a nudge to lean into this new role with eyes wide open. Understanding this landscape is the first step towards shaping a leadership style that works for you and the fantastic team counting on you to lead the way.
Five initial strategies for new leaders
Stepping into a leadership role comes with challenges, especially when new to the team. The initial days can be overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to set a strong foundation for your leadership. Here are five effective strategies to help you navigate this transition smoothly and build a strong rapport with your team and peers.
Here are five things you can do:
1. Embrace humility and be eager to learn
Remember, it’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers on your first day. The key is not to try too hard to assert your authority but rather to adopt a posture of listening and learning. Approach your new role humbly; show genuine interest in understanding your team’s dynamics, ongoing projects, and challenges. This open-mindedness will earn you respect and provide valuable insights into how best you can support and lead your team.
2. Prioritise personal connections
Setting up one-on-one meetings should be at the top of your agenda. Treat these interactions as sacred – a ritual, if you will – and opt for more frequent sessions initially. For direct reports, formalise these meetings, maintain ongoing notes, and allow them the freedom to set the agenda. This is their time to share their aspirations, concerns, and feedback. Equally important are your interactions with peers. These should be more informal, serving as a bridge for you to understand the studio’s inner workings and culture. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; it’s all part of the learning process.
3. Dive deep into processes and strategies
Even if you’re familiar with the studio’s procedures and goals, viewing them through a managerial lens can offer new perspectives. Take the time to review and understand the existing processes and strategies. This will not only help you align with the studio’s vision but also enable you to identify areas of improvement and innovation.
4. Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement
Regular reviews and retrospectives are your best tools for fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. Take an objective look at your team’s performance, acknowledging both strengths and areas for development. Encourage open dialogue about what’s working and what isn’t, and work together to find solutions. This approach enhances team performance and boosts morale by showing commitment to everyone’s success.
5. Learn by shadowing
Even if you’ve previously performed the roles within your team, shadowing your team members can offer invaluable insights. Experiencing the day-to-day through their perspective can deepen your understanding of their challenges and the support they need. This hands-on approach will broaden your perspective and strengthen the trust between you and your team.
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Closing thoughts
As we wrap up this exploration into the nuances of stepping into a leadership role, especially within the vibrant but challenging landscape of a game studio, there’s one cornerstone idea that I can’t stress enough: the importance of taking charge of your learning and development. Not every studio will have the resources or framework to support new leaders in their transition. But here’s the kicker – that shouldn’t hold you back.
Being infinitely curious and a lifelong student can set you apart in an industry that thrives on innovation and creativity. It’s about harnessing that passion and drive that got you into gaming and channelling it into your leadership growth. Remember, lacking formal training isn’t a dead end; it’s an invitation to carve your path to leadership excellence.
Diving into books, seeking out mentors, engaging in online courses, or even cross-disciplinary learning can illuminate your journey. Each challenge, every piece of feedback, and all the successes along the way are threads in the rich tapestry of your leadership style. It’s this tapestry that your team will come to rely on, not just for guidance but for inspiration.
So, embrace the gaps as opportunities. View every day as a chance to learn something new about yourself, your team, and the intricate dance of leading creatively. By fostering a mindset of endless curiosity and resilience, you’re not just preparing yourself for the trials of leadership but setting a standard for those you lead.
In closing, remember that your journey is unique. There might be common threads in the challenges faced by new leaders, but how you weave those threads into your story is entirely up to you. Be bold in your quest for knowledge, generous in sharing what you learn, and unyielding in your commitment to growth. After all, in the world of game development, where the only constant is change, being a lifelong learner isn’t just an asset; it’s a necessity.