How to motivate creative devs?

I agree that interesting and challenging work is a big driver for motivation, but what if a company cannot at all times provide interesting and challenging work? Sometimes it takes a while for those to come along, but other aspects of the company are still good enough to stay with them. I'm quite good (not excellent) at motivating myself with little projects and trying new things, but sometimes I feel others struggle more than I do. How does one break monotonous stints of work with fun little projects?
 
kripstoe said:
I agree that interesting and challenging work is a big driver for motivation, but what if a company cannot at all times provide interesting and challenging work? Sometimes it takes a while for those to come along, but other aspects of the company are still good enough to stay with them. I'm quite good (not excellent) at motivating myself with little projects and trying new things, but sometimes I feel others struggle more than I do. How does one break monotonous stints of work with fun little projects?
Click to expand...

Having interesting and challenging projects at all times is rare, if it ever happens at all. That's life. It helps to have a life outside of work.
 
I'll be the shallow one: big performance bonuses.

1. It's always nice to get some extra money
2. If they are big enough it shows that the company appreciates the effort you put in and is willing to cut into their profits to keep you happy.

The work should be interesting. Doing the "same project" over and over again really irritates the crap out of me.

Last but not least - leniency. I appreciate the need for rules and structure but being able to leave early on a Friday or take some time to explore new ideas (and having the PM listen to them) is a major plus.
 
Hmm. What motivates me.

Working with the latest technologies.
Solving problems
Flexitime
Working with nice, non entitled, no political people who listen and are logical. There are some really toxic coworkers and managers out there and they can suck the life out of you.
Flow. No unnecessary meetings, not being interrupted for no good reason and eliminate time wasting.
Learning
Fast Internet connection and PC at work. Computer allowance.
Having to clarify designs because I am detailed orientated and the person who did it do nor care or acts acting like they have to explain it or don't like being corrected
Being able to spend a couple of days a year at conferences of my choosing
 
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Took the words right out of my mouth.
For me its simple. I spent 12 years working in IT. I don't do support. I design the stuff that will have to be supported. New work. New technologies. Recognition when it is deserved. And no meetings.
nfbs said:
Hmm. What motivates me.

Working with the latest technologies.
Solving problems
Flexitime
Working with nice, non entitled, no political people who listen and are logical. There are some really toxic coworkers and managers out there and they can suck the life out of you.
Flow. No unnecessary meetings, not being interrupted for no good reason and eliminate time wasting.
Learning
Fast Internet connection and PC at work. Computer allowance.
Having to clarify designs because I am detailed orientated and the person who did it do nor care or acts acting like they have to explain it or don't like being corrected
Being able to spend a couple of days a year at conferences of my choosing
Click to expand...
 
Hamster said:
I'll be the shallow one: big performance bonuses.

1. It's always nice to get some extra money
2. If they are big enough it shows that the company appreciates the effort you put in and is willing to cut into their profits to keep you happy.

The work should be interesting. Doing the "same project" over and over again really irritates the crap out of me.

Last but not least - leniency. I appreciate the need for rules and structure but being able to leave early on a Friday or take some time to explore new ideas (and having the PM listen to them) is a major plus.
Click to expand...

None which happens in your environment:P
 
kripstoe said:
Read again what he said.
Click to expand...
sorry. Let me rephrase that. No time wasting meetings. Once almost got into a massive argument with HR after excusing myself from a meeting on phone ettiquette to handle a crisis. Luckily I had that one factor that also motivates. A good manager that knew what I was talking about and had my back.
 
Compton_effect said:
sorry. Let me rephrase that. No time wasting meetings. Once almost got into a massive argument with HR after excusing myself from a meeting on phone ettiquette to handle a crisis. Luckily I had that one factor that also motivates. A good manager that knew what I was talking about and had my back.
Click to expand...

Amen to that.
Meetings are crucial, but I mean "dev" meetings. Daily standup, feature kickoffs, etc.
Fluff meetings can go suck one :)
 
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