Monday, February 26, 2018

Shut up and Listen (actively) πŸ‘‚

Onegai shimasu (γŠγ­γŒγ„ します)  πŸ™‡

An amazing tool you can develop for yourself for the industry (or anywhere for that matter) is knowing when to listen and when to speak. One of the hardest things for us to do as humans is to actively listen to someone and to really understand what they are communicating. To "hear" them.

We live in a very fast paced environment where everyone has an opinion. We have to filter so much of this out: what's garbage, what's relevant, what's just distracting. When engaged in a conversation with someone, especially when its deemed important, we have to be in the present. Not wondering what the next assignment is, or what YouTube channel to be watching next, or what you'll be having for dinner.

This means setting aside yourself, your pre-concoeved notions, your distractions, your anticipations, all of it, in order to be fully in the present in that conversation. Put your electronics away (laptop, cell phone, whatever) because they can cause undue distractions. Stop looking at your watch. (I never wear one during interviews). Its perceived as rude and that the other you have other things on your mind and they will believe that they are not important. Make sure that the environment is conclusive to conversations (a concert is not, for example). Basically do what you can to clear away distractions fo focus on the person, or persons, before you.

People like to be listened to. They want to fell appreciated and that what they are saying is important. Sometimes they want affirmation that they are being heard so you'll need to sometimes repeat back to them what you just heard. This could also reinforce, inside yourself, that you heard them correctly. But don't just echo. You may have to reword what they say. Especially if you are not in agreement, that gets into negotiation. A subject for another time.

At the right times you'll sometimes need to ask questions to get to the root of the conversation. What id the real reason for the conversation? How important is it? Has an issue already been solved, they just don't know it? Can you learn something from this?

Sometimes they just need to vent and are not looking for a solution. Maybe they just want a sounding board for their frustrations about something, This is where merely listening is all that is needed. Empathizing can also help, if possible.

There are times when you you'll want to interrupt, to state you'r opinions. Those are the times to really shut up and listen because you don't want to miss their point that may be hidden. Being able to effectively communicate is an art form that needs cultivation and practice. And realize that no none is good at active listening the first time. And that' OK 😊

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Rule #1: Cover Thine Ass

Onegai shimasu (γŠγ­γŒγ„ します)  πŸ™‡

Rule #1 is not as crude as it sounds. It has to do when you're in the digital industry and life itself. Its not about selfishness. Its about taking care of yourself first in order to help others.
Its simple: How can you take care of others if you can't even take care of yourself?

Disclaimer: Like with most of the entries of this blog it comes from personal and professional experience.

There are going to be times where you will want to help your family/studio-mates or even be responsible for them. How can you help anyone if you're sleep deprived, physically ill, or worse? You can't. In order to be able to help anyone you have to be physically, mentally, even sometimes, spiritually fit enough. You must have some sort of balance in your life to help others. If not you will be drained of all energy to the point that you'll end up hurting yourself and others without realizing it or meaning to do so.

There is potential for this in the industry, less nowadays. For many of us the work/life balance is actually very important. To be able to spend time with our loved ones and have time for yourself to recharge. I was in the AAA industry for a time and there was a great deal of pressure put on me even when my managers stated there was no pressure. However, everyone in the studio felt the pressure. I knew a change had to happen, between missing a chunk of my son's early childhood and when I fell asleep at the wheel of my car on my way home from work (another story for another time).

It takes dedication and a willingness to take care of yourself, especially before things go bad. Most importantly it takes knowing yourself and a willingness to accept when you're not at your best. And that's the hardest thing to do: to accept and admit when you're failing yourself. Some of the signs to be aware of are:

  • lack of restful sleep
  • worsening of eating habits
  • shortening temper
  • lack of empathy towards others
  • not getting any of your own work done
  • a growing addiction to something (alcohol, drugs, food, games, whatever)
  • suffering personal relationships
  • these are just a few


    Now, there is also a gender bias. "The man works so hard! He deserves a break. She wants a break just for taking care of the kids? She's so selfish!"
    This is not a modern standard so much anymore, yet it still exists. I know sides in both camps. 

    No matter what, you have to take care of yourself. You have to make sure that you have an abundance of energy to give before you give or you'll be empty before you know it. Make sure you can get your work done before helping your teammates finish their work (don't do the work for them, of course)

    Your industry teammates are your extended family. You'll spend more time with them than your real family. Don't kill yourself for them. The industry does not need martyrs. It needs problem solvers, teammates, and real leaders that can see beyond the projects. To the human side. 

    Don't fall into the trap of being guilted into staying past your scheduled work hours. Neither your health, nor your pride, is worth the damage. If the project is scheduled properly, and if everyone does their job properly, this won't happen.

    Making games or films should not kill any part of you. Its entertainment, for crying out loud!

    Friday, February 16, 2018

    Welcome ^_^

    Hi,
    I want to welcome you to my Dojo. This blog is going to cover a number of topics from surviving the game industry, art, my personal views on philosophy or psychology, and a number of other things. This is not a site for art tutorials (although I might have links to some that I really like).
    Everything on this site is my personal views and not that of any company I'm affiliated with.
    More to come in the near future now that I have this site functional. Your patience is appreciated ^_^