Looking for ways to motivate your employees?
Consider some tips from a recent book on how to motivate software professionals. They might not work for everyone, but Mickey W. Mantle and Ron Lichty, authors of “Managing the Unmanageable: Rules, Tools, and Insights for Managing Software People and Teams,” clearly understand how to manage software professionals, who tend to be an inquisitive and high-minded lot.
Emphasize big-picture ideas. People want to think they’re making a difference.
Stay above board. Ethical management keeps employees feeling engaged.
Educate yourself. Be sure you know what you’re talking about.
Praise publicly. Reprimand privately.
Convey interest. Get to know your employees as people.
Don’t forget the magic words. Say “thank you” at least 10 times a week.
Be a coach, not a manager. Help team members grow.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on what employees contribute, not on how they do it.
Adapted from Ten Ways to Motivate Employees at CIO Insight.