Robin Hunicke is philosophical about being a Lead Designer at EA:

The Buddha concludes that in order for people to truly realize harmony in a group, they must follow some simple rules:

• Sharing a common space
• Sharing a daily routine that is essential to their survival
• Practicing, together
• Sharing insights that come from that practice
• Respecting others’ viewpoints, and not forcing them to follow your own viewpoint.

In making something together, for which we are all paid, all the members of my team share responsiblities, dreams and insights. But if they cannot be considerate of how each experiences this process, and respectful of their views about how it might work - well, progress is much slower.

Courtesy is also important. It is easy to forget how small, simple actions (like offering someone something to drink, making a place for them at a meeting table, or simply welcoming them into a room) will create harmony. It is easy to forget that these little things make everyone feel respected - creating an environment where different viewpoints are free to co-exist.

Similarly, it is easy to rush from decision to decision, idea to idea, observation to observation – without making room for that mingling that’s so necessary for innovation. Especially when there is time pressure related to the completion of your goals, or competition for recognition within or outside of the group. One can lose sight of the practice (working together to make something great) and get lost in naval gazing, blaming, and shaming.

The very structure of commercial creation can lead us to forego thoughtfulness - which in turn, leads to indifference. An indifferent team cannot create a joyful or meaningful product or experience… for themselves, or anyone else.