In the video games industry, we are constantly working to deliver the best products we can to our clients and, ultimately, to the players. To do this, we constantly review and critique our work, taking feedback constructively to try to improve our processes and provide expert quality services. This approach to evaluation doesn’t only apply to the work we create, but to individual professional development, as well. How can you unlock your potential?
Unlock Your Potential
Receiving feedback on your performance can make you nervous, even when you know we are doing a good job. This feeling is common, regardless of the organizational level you are at. But why do we get nervous about feedback from our boss? It's likely that we have experienced previous evaluations that focus on the negative, without offering solutions or a clear action plan. However, a successful evaluation provides an objective view of our achievements and areas for improvement, along with an action plan to move forward. Maintaining an open attitude to listening is crucial for both the evaluator and the evaluated.
Performance evaluations are a crucial tool in the professional development of employees and in the effective management of human resources in an organization. These evaluations not only provide feedback on past performance but also help set future goals and individual development plans. Additionally, they are an opportunity to align individual goals with organizational goals and ensure that everyone is working towards the same purpose.
Tips for effectively receiving performance evaluations:
- Maintain a positive attitude and be open to dialogue. Remember that feedback is an opportunity to grow and improve.
- Take notes of important points during the meeting. This will help you remember the comments and suggestions for future development.
- Prepare in advance. Reflect on your achievements, challenges, and goals for the future. Being prepared will allow you to have a more productive conversation.
- Ask questions that enrich the conversation. Use open-ended questions to obtain additional information and clarity about your areas of improvement and development. Here are some examples:
What do you think are my strongest qualities, and how could I leverage them?
What do you believe I should focus on to be more successful in this role?
How do you think I can better manage complex tasks?
Benefits of performance evaluations:
Professional development: Performance evaluations provide an opportunity to identify areas of development and establish plans to improve the skills and competencies necessary for professional success.
Motivation and commitment: Recognition of past achievements and clarification of expectations can increase employee motivation and commitment.
Improved communication: Performance evaluations encourage open and honest communication between employees and managers, strengthening work relationships and promoting a healthy work environment.
Including clients as a source of insights
Involving clients in the performance evaluation process is crucial, as it provides valuable external perspective that can reveal crucial insights about the effectiveness of the solutions and products offered. This direct feedback allows for the identification of areas for improvement from the perspective of the end user, ensuring that development efforts are more closely aligned with market needs and expectations. Additionally, involving clients fosters a closer and more trusting relationship, making them feel part of the creative and continuous improvement process. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but can also become a source of innovation and agile adaptation to changes in consumer trends and preferences, ensuring that products or services remain relevant and competitive in the market.
Performance Evaluation and the Video Game Industry
Although the gaming industry may be thought of as just playing, the professional development of employees is a key point. Even in fields that are less susceptible to measurement, such as art or design, consider the following aspects:
Creativity and innovation
- How have you incorporated innovative or creative elements into your recent projects?
- Can you describe a design challenge you have overcome with a creative solution?
Technical skills
- What new tools or technologies have you learned or improved on in the last year?
- How do you ensure quality and technical accuracy in your work?
Teamwork and communication
- How do you contribute to a collaborative and positive work environment?
- Can you give an example of how you have handled a disagreement or conflict within the team?
Meeting deadlines and time management
- How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?
- How have you handled a situation where you were at risk of not meeting a deadline?
Impact of Performance Evaluations for a Global Video Game Studio
As the company grows larger and the distances increase, the challenges of managing results within a team with such a variety of profiles, as is the case in the video game development industry, increase even more. Despite having a defined evaluation standard, considering the field of action in which each person operates is crucial in these types of industries. As they manage multiple areas of development, design, art, quality, among others, and how they relate to each other within a joint project, with an increasingly changing trend, it becomes indispensable to have a clear understanding of the performance of each contributor.
Conclusions:
Performance evaluations are a fundamental part of professional development in any organization. Maintaining a positive attitude and using feedback constructively will help you unlock your potential and achieve your professional goals. Take advantage of these opportunities to grow and learn, both personally and professionally. Our self-development is in our hands!
