What’s the right way to approach developer productivity improvements? Does the motivation or purpose behind improvement initiatives impact the results?
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CTO in Banking16 days ago
I believe it does. Engagement significantly drives productivity. In my experience, I oversee about 80 to 100 staff members, and we have delivery managers who focus on productivity and deliverables, as well as engagement managers who concentrate on the people. Essentially, every staff member has both a delivery manager and an engagement manager. Three elements are crucial for fostering a drive to produce excellent work - autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Productivity improves when developers have a sense of ownership in their work. A significant factor in the industry right now is psychological safety. Google’s research from 5-7 years ago highlighted that the number one determinant of high-performing teams is psychological safety. Removing impediments through one-on-ones and team meetings, and fostering a climate where people feel safe to take risks and experiment, allows them to stretch themselves. This approach creates positive outcomes for both the team and the company.VP of Engineering16 days ago
Yes, a couple of points from an approach perspective. Firstly, everyone cares about the bottom line—the outcomes and financial impact. Secondly, engagement is crucial. The longer we can retain high-performing developers and engineers, the better, as they carry valuable knowledge and expertise.Regarding motivation and purpose, I absolutely believe in their importance. Developers often face frustrations, and while we provide environments, access, and financial tools, it ultimately comes down to the "why." Understanding the purpose behind building a mobile widget, an API, or connecting to a database is essential. For instance, knowing that their work impacts a human life, whether someone is looking at claims on a website or seeking advice to grow their wealth, can be incredibly motivating. Reminding developers of the purpose behind their work helps them push through frustrations and go above and beyond. Leaders must create an environment that emphasizes this purpose, in addition to providing the necessary tools.
CTO in Media16 days ago
I have a quick comment that ties into what Ramesh mentioned about the "why." I think it’s important to explain to our teams why we are trying to improve performance. We owe it to them to provide a clear explanation and help them understand the need for growth. Building a sense of shared urgency and purpose is crucial. Instead of simply telling my team that I need to increase their productivity, I want them to think about how we can move faster. This approach gives them the opportunity to take ownership from top to bottom.