My current job involves a good deal of multitasking and being the leader of a group of, well… underlings. I get to tell people what to do and when to do it, I get to solve problems, and I have to bring all of this together in a way that accomplishes what we need to get done in the most efficient way we can. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of this job, but I do have to rather begrudgingly admit that I’m good at it. Which is probably why I inevitably end up in similar leadership roles at whatever job I’m in.
So I amused myself the other day when I realized that there were similarities between work and my beloved strategy games. Both involve being the leader, making decisions on what to do and when to do it, and wrangling a bunch of units exactly where you want them to go. It made me wonder if maybe there was a correlation between my affinity for strategy games and the fact that, somehow, an otherwise very shy, quiet, and passive girl happens to be good at ordering people around at work amidst the daily chaos.
If there is a correlation, I find myself wondering if I enjoy strategy games because I’m naturally good at leadership, or if it’s the other way around and I’m good at leadership because of years of practice with games. Or maybe it’s a little bit of both. An interesting topic either way. Do any of you guys feel as though there is some overlap between your in-game skills and your real-life skills?
Well I chose my MA based on the fact I like strategy games, so that’s something!
I do. I often have to deal with situations solo in a group setting and boy do I ever do that in a game. Strategizing on the fly and pushing on when all hope seems lost. Coming out on top in the end and wanting my achievement ding. LOL
This is something I never thought of but the more I think about it, the more I think about the possible link between me being able to deal with customers compared to the years I’ve spent on the internet dealing with trolls.
I’d certainly agree that there’s some overlap between gaming preferences and personality. For me, at least, it seems to be the personality that drives the gaming.
Also, curse you for introducing me to GalCiv 2. I’m supposed to be playing Skyrim right now, but just one… more… turn…
Hmm, my gut tells me that leadership comes from confidence. Your success and experience in strategy games has built and nurtured your confidence to the point that you now feel capable in a leadership role. Positive outcomes in strategy games after utilizing certain skillsets develop the confidence to employ those skills outside the game environment and into other aspects of your life.
This is an interesting idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if confidence had something to do with it!