10 Things I Learned About Being a Great Manager from FalloutShelter

I know most of you have at last heard of the popular game out of Bethesda Game Studios, but over drinks the other night, I realized the game represents something a bit more than just a post-apocalyptic world. In some ways, it highlights our needs as humans, the core of our wants and desires, and the things that make us tick… I know, I know, it seems a little silly that I drew business conclusions from a hit game, but check out my 10 best conclusions below.

Fallout Shelter: image courtesy for IGN.com

1. In order for people to be happy, they need to be doing what they are good at, and best suited to do, most of the time.
2. Everyone appreciates a good challenge once in a while — it’s important to break outside of a box and do something different that forces a different perspective. Allow employees to take temporary quests in an effort to do their jobs better.
3. Neglect breeds anger, starvation, and frustration.
4. Grouping teams by strength increases productivity, but also grows everyones skills.
5. Investing resources increases your employees productivity, your profit, and everyone’s happiness.
6. People will sacrifice their time (or lives) for you when you give them something to believe in.
7. A good manager understands when to add a suit of armor to their employees to increase specific strengths for the tasks at hand. But a great manager knows when to send them back for training to increase that strength permanently.
8. It is just as important to recognize each employee as they “level up” in their job as it is to recognize the whole teams’ push towards a goal.
9. Failure is inevitable, but not the end of the world. Readjust the strategy for next time and move forward.
10. Laughter is vital. Do a little dance, say thank you, or bring a puppy to the office… life is hard enough without having to take every moment serious, so leave a little time for play.

Any other thoughts you have on what makes a great manager? Share in the comments below!