​
How I help my clients get better results with less hassle 🤫
If you run a video game company and regularly dream about smoother operations and sharper outcomes, I've got something exciting for you.
Over the past two and a half years, I've teamed up with over 70 leaders in the games industry to fine-tune their strategies, operational management and leadership dynamics.
After many iterations, this resulted in the Long Game Operating System - a constellation of tools, frameworks and principles, that allow you to run your business with increased focus, alignment and accountability.
I have shared many of these tools before. Today, I'm sharing exactly how I help companies adopt these tools.
4 Workshops Across 90 Days
The basis of the coaching program to implement the Long Game Operating System is a series of 4 workshops across 90 days.
In each of these workshops, we adapt and adopt a handful of the prescribed tools.
Focusing on a few new tools each time means new tools and habits are easier to digest, and make part of the daily operations.
It also gives you time to evaluate the specific adaptations we chose. If we didn't nail it in one go, we have plenty of opportunity to make further changes in subsequent workshops
Each workshop has its own theme, and builds on the work done in the previous workshops.
On Traction Day, we look at 4 foundational tools that will become the bedrock for the company’s new operational flow.
On Vision Day, we zoom out and identify the company’s long term goals and positioning
On Action Day, we turn the company vision into actionable goals and guidelines
On Reflection Day, we look at the ways the management team can become more conscious leaders, and have the highest possible impact.
Let's look at each in a bit more detail.
1. Traction Day
As mentioned, we start with some basic tools, some of which may seem mundane.
We start there anyway, because complexity has to be earned. And so we start at the absolute bottom, making sure we nail the basics before moving on.
Wax on, wax off, Daniel-san.
But even these simple tools can already make a big difference in how you approach your daily responsibilities.
In fact, most of my clients are pleasantly surprised at the end of the first day by how much clarity just these 4 simple tools can provide.
Tools to master
- Accountability chart: creates clarity on who in the organization is accountable for what
- Rocks: are your quarterly priorities
- Company scorecard: is a set of 5-15 metrics that inform you about the health of your company
- The weekly management meeting: uses a set agenda that ensures you keep focus on the things that matter, and spend time solving problems that block your progress
​
​
2. Vision day
For Vision Day, we look at the bigger picture: What is the identity of your company? Why are you in business? Where do you want to go? What are our values and beliefs?
The answers to these questions will shape how you conduct your business, and give clear guidelines for everyday operations.
By defining a long-term goal, you provide the ultimate focal point. Whatever you may disagree on, you're al working towards the same end goal.
Your core values determine how you will act along the way, and is the basis of your company culture.
Aligning on these elements early on will save you hours and hours in confusion and friction down the line.
Tools to master
- Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): is your long term goal for the company
- Core values: are the values that drive your team's behavior and your company culture
- Core focus: is a crisp definition of what your company does, and for who
​
3. Action day
For Action Day, we build on the elements we defined during the vision day to create practical guidelines for everyday decisions and actions.
With the vision defined and agreed upon, figuring out the steps that will get you closer to your goals should be a lot easier.
This is where we set the agenda for the year, and plot out the major beats.
Tools to master
- Marketing strategy: includes a definition of your ideal client, and what sets you apart from your competitors.
- 3-year picture: is a midway point between where you are now, and where you want to go (BHAG)
- 1-Year Plan: is the set of goals you need to hit this year to be on track towards your long-term vision
- Rocks: from Traction Day are reviewed, and new Rocks are planned for the next full quarter
​
4. Reflection day
The last day in the series focuses on leadership and self-leadership.
After all, if we're going to create the best possible strategy and the best possible operational management for the company, shouldn't we then also make sure that the people running the whole thing are, well... the best possible?
To do that, this day revolves around the concept of conscious leadership, and improving the connection and cooperation in the leadership team.
But we also look at productivity on a personal level, where the focus is less on output, and more on impact.
Tools to master
- Above and below the line: is a way of building collective awareness, and recognizing if your mindset is open or closed. This can make a huge difference in day-to-day interactions
- Asking for, receiving and giving feedback: (in that order) is a huge driver for accountability in your team, and should be modeled by the management team
- Team accountability: is about recognizing each other's contributions to the team, and helping each other improve on the aspects that hold the team back.
- Personal productivity: is about better managing your time and energy to have the largest possible impact on the company's mission.
​
At the end of these four days, you will have a true operating system for your company, adapted to your specific wants and needs. Moreover, you now also have the tools and habits to keep this system going, by following this core loop:
- Once a year, review your strategy and set a new 3-year picture and 1-year plan
- Every quarter, set Rocks in line with your long term goal and 1-year plan
- Every week, track progress on Rocks and solve any issues that blocks progress
​
So, that's the scoop on the Long Game Operating System—designed to keep your company running smoothly long after our initial workshops.
Curious how it might fit into your world?
I’m here to chat about it or just to connect over the unique challenges you’re tackling in the games industry.
Drop me a line anytime!
If you liked this article, consider giving it some love on LinkedIn by liking it or reposting it to share with your network.
Press "S" to support!
Right Now
Playing - Monster Hunter Rise, Sunbreak DLC.
I finally got around to playing the DLC after putting hundreds of hours in the base game. The first rounds were rough, as I'd forgotten how the game plays almost completely. After a few rounds though, I'm bonking monsters on the head with my Insect Glaive like nobody's business. Now I just have to grind together some end-game gear.
Reading - The Illustrated Biography of Yoshitaka Amano.
Amano is the famed illustrator for the Final Fantasy series and one of my all-time favorite artists. This book is a fantastic overview of his life and career, as well as his art.
Watching - Fallout.
I haven't played any of the Fallout games, and so I was relieved to find a premium TV show that is immensely enjoyable even without any knowledge of the games. Can't wait to see where they take the inevitable second season.
​
See you in two weeks!
Martijn
Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Get smart 🤓
​Join 775+ subscribers to The Long Game
Get started 💪
​Take the Long Game Performance Assessment to find out the areas where your company shines, and where you could stand to improve.
Get serious 🔥
​Work with me to level up your management structures and processes
​
​