howcanisaythis

howcanisaythis on Hacker News

Re:Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit? on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @05:51PM (#3023849)

Not shocked, I was a little bummed.

Would you recommend just granting some equity to try and engender the "ownership" aspect?

Re:Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit? on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @05:39PM (#3023804)

No he's good. I've hired/fired devs before...I have no plans on firing him. I just need to tweak....something.

Re:Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit? on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @05:38PM (#3023802)

Exactly...I don't mind facebook or twitter at work. Heck, I spend a good 30-45 minutes a day there. That's normal.

The problem is when it's 80% of the day, and that's where we seem to be at this week.

Re:Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit? on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @05:27PM (#3023767)

Thank you very much, very helpful insights.

Re:Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit? on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @05:09PM (#3023700)

I tried offering equity and a slightly lower salary (20%-range lower), and then an option for no-equity but higher salary. He took the higher salary option, though I was hoping he would take the equity option.

I could revisit this with him...but I have a feeling it's not super important to him, money doesn't seem to be a huge motivator.

Re:Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit? on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @05:07PM (#3023697)

We do essentially weekly sprints and he presents at the end of each week the progress made.

Ask HN: How can I motivate my talented dev to give a shit?

Posted by howcanisaythis on Wednesday September 21, 2011 @04:08PM
from the ask-hn dept.

I've read a dozen articles on motivating developers. I give him lots of space to work, freedom to pick his own features to work on. I've read "Peopleware" cover to cover.We are a small distributed team (2 devs and myself, product owner + design work). He and I work in an office together. He has no real set hours, just that he gets stuff done.Lately it's been more and more time on...

( Read More... | 30 comments | 21 points | on HN )