Change Fatigue: A Raid Boss We Can Defeat Together
As someone who’s spent a lot of time in the gaming world — whether it was raiding in EverQuest or WoW, or competing in CS:GO, Valorant, or Call of Duty — I’ve come across my fair share of challenges. You know, those tough levels or formidable opponents that test your strategy, teamwork, and resilience.
The real world has its own version of these challenges, one that feels as daunting as a new raid boss: change fatigue.
Change fatigue describes what happens when we’re subjected to constant change and disruption. This persistent turbulence can lead to a kind of exhaustion that goes beyond physical tiredness and can look like a decrease in engagement and productivity or feelings of being worn down by change that seems never-ending. It’s as if we’re in an intense boss fight that goes on and on, with no pause button in sight.
In the gaming industry, this relentless change has, in part, been driven by significant mergers and acquisition activity. In 2022 alone, we’ve seen some of the most significant company acquisitions in gaming history. These events, while certainly newsworthy, have also brought a wave of uncertainty and a need for continuous adaptation for both industry professionals and gamers.
It’s time to understand this challenge and find ways to navigate it effectively. In this article, I’ll take you through the concept of change fatigue, its impact on the gaming industry, and how we can manage and overcome it.
Navigating the landscape of the gaming industry
Just like understanding the map, points of interest (POIs), and save points is crucial in a game, so too is understanding the landscape of the gaming industry. In 2022, the industry underwent significant changes, with data from Visual Capitalist and Hitmarker showing that 2022 was a landmark year for gaming company acquisitions.
Major industry players expanded their reach, leading to a series of high-profile mergers and acquisitions. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, a deal valued at nearly $70 billion, stands as one of the largest in the history of our industry. This and other acquisitions have resulted in a consolidation of power, with a few major players now controlling a significant portion of the market.
These changes have profoundly affected the industry and those working in it — these mergers and acquisitions often mean restructuring, shifts in corporate culture, and the need to adapt to new management styles and strategies. It’s a bit like being asked to learn a new game’s mechanics and strategies without any tutorial.
In short, the scale of change in the gaming industry landscape has been immense, and it’s no surprise that change fatigue is setting in. But just like in any game, understanding the challenge is the first step to overcoming it. In the next sections, I’ll delve into change fatigue in more detail and provide strategies to manage it effectively.
Understanding change fatigue: The hidden challenge
Change fatigue is a kind of exhaustion that sets in when we’re subjected to continuous change. It’s a bit like facing a game that keeps introducing new, increasingly difficult levels, with no pause button or save points to give us a breather.
In the gaming industry, change fatigue can take on various forms. For those working on the front lines, like game developers, artists, and testers, it might feel like being stuck in a cycle of constant adaptation. With every merger or acquisition, we’re introduced to new processes, new management styles, and new expectations, just like trying to master a game that keeps changing its rules.
For those in leadership roles, change fatigue can feel like trying to guide a team through a constantly shifting landscape. They’re not only dealing with their own adaptation to change, but they’re also responsible for helping their team navigate it. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and can affect their ability to lead effectively.
The effects of change fatigue can be significant. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and a decline in the quality of work. In a creative industry like ours, where innovation and engagement are crucial, these effects can be particularly damaging. According to Harvard Business Review, 55% of employees took a significant hit to their own health, their team relationships, and their work environment to sustain high performance through disruption.
But just like any challenge in a game, change fatigue can be managed and overcome. In the following sections, I’ll share strategies to help you do just that, whether you’re an individual contributor or a team leader in the gaming industry. So, let’s get ready — it’s time to tackle change fatigue.
Battling change fatigue: Strategies for the individual contributor
Just as we have control over our hotbar, skill trees, and strategies in a game, we also have certain “controllables” when it comes to managing change fatigue. These are aspects that we, as individuals, can influence to help mitigate the effects of continuous change.
One of the most powerful tools we can use is managing our energy. Think of it like you’re keeping an eye on your character’s stamina in a game — it’s important to pace ourselves during periods of continuous change. This can involve taking regular breaks, using accumulated PTO, prioritizing self-care, and ensuring we have time to recharge.
“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” —Carolyn Gregoire
Another “controllable” is our perspective. A change in strategy or a new approach can often be the key to overcoming a challenging level, raid boss, or puzzle. Similarly, viewing change as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a threat, can help reduce the impact of change fatigue. It’s a bit like switching from a turtle defense to an offensive strategy in the middle of a tough battle.
Now, let’s talk about our first piece of “equipment” for battling change fatigue: communication. In any multiplayer game, communication with your team is crucial for coordinating strategies and overcoming challenges. We need to know if Aatrox is pushing midlane or Jett is lurking B-site; the same holds true in the workplace. Regularly communicating with our team and our leaders about our experiences, concerns, and suggestions can help us feel more involved in the change process and less like a passive player.
Another piece of equipment for battling change fatigue as an individual contributor is adaptability. Just like a flex role in MOBAs, being adaptable in the workplace helps navigate continuous change. It involves openness to new ideas and flexibility in taking on new tasks or roles.
Remember, every player has a unique playstyle, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s important to find the strategies that work best for us in managing change fatigue. In the next section, we’ll explore the “controllables” and “equipment” for team leaders. So, let’s keep going — we’re just getting started.
Battling change fatigue: A team leader’s perspective
As a team leader in the gaming industry, your role is like a guild leader in an MMORPG. You’re responsible for guiding your team through challenging quests and ensuring everyone is equipped to face the challenges ahead. When it comes to managing change fatigue, there are several aspects within your control. According to Harvard Business Review, only 36% of employees reported high trust in their organizations, with on-site workers reporting the least trust.
Your first piece of equipment is to foster a culture of psychological safety within your team. This is akin to creating a safe zone in a game where players can rest, recuperate, and strategize without fear.
In the workplace, a psychologically safe environment is one where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of negative consequences.
To create psychological safety, one must realize that clear and consistent communication is an aspect within your control. James Hume says that the art of communication is the language of leadership; as a leader, you can provide your team with a clear understanding of the changes taking place, why they’re happening, and what they mean for the team. This is similar to providing a clear map and quest log in a game, helping players understand their objectives and how to achieve them.
Now, let’s talk about the second piece of equipment you can use: empathy. As a leader, understanding and acknowledging the emotional impact of change on your team members is crucial. By saying, “Hey, y’all, I realize this is tough; it’s hard for me to navigate as well,” you are acknowledging and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your in-game character and tailoring your strategy accordingly.
The third piece of equipment you can use is resilience. As a leader, modeling resilience in the face of change can inspire your team to do the same. You are the main tank, face-tanking Ragnaros, standing strong against the boss, and showing your team that the challenge can be defeated.
Conclusion: Gearing up to battle change fatigue
Overcoming a challenge like change fatigue requires understanding, strategy, and the right equipment. Whether you’re an individual contributor or a team leader in the gaming industry, I hope this article has equipped you to better manage and overcome change fatigue. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning, so ready your controllers, gather your party, and let’s tackle this raid boss together. Game on!
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
A version of this article was originally published on LinkedIn here.
