GGW Voices is an ongoing collaboration between CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women featuring commentary and insight from women in the gaming industry.
Just take a moment to look back at your own career journey. What mattered more to you – the content of the job, or the people you worked with? For most of us, our bosses and colleagues make more difference to our day-to-day enjoyment of work than any toolset or capability that’s directly connected to the work itself. And what we value from those colleagues and leaders is rarely related to the buzzwords of the moment, but is instead a complex interaction of their interpersonal skills and their motivation to use those skills with others.
I know that for me the defining learning moments of my career have been about interpersonal skills. I have learned from both good AND bad examples – trying to emulate the good and reject the bad. Leveraging interpersonal skills while actively paying it forward does not just benefit those around us; it fosters a culture of empathy, support, trust and shared success. That’s not only good for individuals, but for our companies and our societies. We are stronger together.
What do I actually mean by interpersonal skills? These are the skills we use to interact with people, including communication, empathy, conflict resolution, teamwork and emotional intelligence. These factors determine our success in so many different areas of our life, especially long-term.
Communication can be confusing. You must understand how your message might be perceived and understood. Imagine someone asks what you do for a living and you answer “Oh, it’s too complicated”. Your intention is not to bore that person, but the perception might be “explaining is a waste of time because you wouldn’t understand”. Both spoken and written words can be misunderstood (how many times have you been bothered by the tone of a text message that someone intended as a joke?). Strong communication – thinking about expressing our intention and clarifying – helps prevents these misunderstandings, reduces conflict and makes our work more efficient.
How do we understand people’s needs and ways of communicating?
Through Empathy! Understanding other people’s feelings and needs helps build a deeper connection and trust. We may not always fully appreciate others’ feelings to begin with, but we need to try. No one should ever have to apologize for the way they are feeling. Empathy enables us to navigate different emotional reactions in bigger settings and navigate conflict situations easier.
Bringing these together informs our overall Emotional Intelligence (EQ). It’s about recognizing your own emotions and those of others, managing them in healthy ways to guide thinking and actions. High emotional intelligence fosters strong interpersonal relationships by helping you navigate social complexities and build support. It’s something I’ve worked hard to develop over the years. And trust me, it was not always easy!
Why is it so important to pay it forward? Because it creates positive change for the future!
Paying it forward has become a cornerstone of how I live my life. It’s a simple concept: doing something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return, in the hope that they will do the same for someone else.
I’ve noticed that when we pay it forward, it not only makes someone else’s day better – it leaves us with a sense of fulfilment. The best part? It comes back to us in surprising ways. Over time, I’ve seen how people tend to reciprocate by offering their support when I need it most. In any group, creating a culture where people feel supported can lead to lasting success.
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve been able to pay it forward is through mentoring others. I love sharing what I’ve learned and helping others grow, especially those just starting out. Not only does this help others, but it also keeps me learning and growing as well. Sometimes, the smallest gestures have the biggest impact. Whether it’s offering encouragement when someone is having a rough day, strategic advice or opening up your own carefully-built network to others, I know that these seemingly small acts of kindness mean more than we might think.
Many people charge for consulting or for introductions – offering this for free can seem crazy to some. Your time has value, so even agreeing to a coffee with strangers is a gift. This help is generous – and you will be surprised by how much people value your help and how it inspires them to pay forward in turn.
By combining interpersonal skills with the spirit of paying it forward, you can make a meaningful impact that resonates far beyond your immediate circle. It is, for me, a major part of the purpose that drives me.
