Writing in a Team - Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing - page 70

8.2 Working in a Team
No matter how your writing team is formed, two keys are essential: respecting others
and managing your ego.
Respect
Respect has an inner component as well as an outer one. On the inside, respect
involves not only respecting another person's strengths but also accepting their falli-
bility. If you don't respect the other person, it will appear in your verbal or nonverbal
communication.
The outer component involves communicating this respect to your team mem-
bers. Listening is just one part of the equation. An extrovert might find a quiet email
critiquing an idea quite disrespectful, while an introvert would prefer this type of
communication over a face-to-face conversation. Ask and learn as much as you can
about how to show respect for your fellow writers, and educate them on how they
can respect you.
For an inside look at respect and the rest of the game development team, see
Section 8.8.
Managing Ego
The key in a team situation is not to eliminate ego but to manage it. Allowing others
to discard your best ideas just to get along is no better than fighting for your every
idea. Taking steps to maintain a healthy ego will avoid the dangers of extremes and
help you choose your battles.
While you work on managing your own ego, you may be called upon to manage
others'. Different people require different approaches. Even if you're not leading the
team, getting a firm feel for your teammates' ego needs will come in handy when you
need their help on one of your projects.
We would be going beyond the scope of this chapter by offering tips on managing
specific personality types, but numerous topics on the subject are available. If you're
not a fan of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, consider exploring frameworks
with only four basic personality types. For example, you may find helpful More
than Words: Nine Silver Rules for Powerful Yet Considerate Communication by Edward
Horrell. If you look, you're certain to find an approach that works for you.
8.3 Managing Expectations: Joining a
Game-Writing Team
Upon joining a team, learning what the company expects of you is a crucial first step.
Whether you are freelance or working on staff, you will be working for someone, so
ask your team lead to clarify your role as the project moves forward. Questions you
might ask include the following.