Are you ready to dive deep into the science of motivation in software engineering? 🚀 In this video, we explore what truly drives software engineers to perform at their best, backed by serious research and practical insights.
Why Motivation Matters
Motivated software teams:
• Hit deadlines consistently. • Innovate by sharing ideas and taking pride in their work. • Stay longer at companies, reducing turnover. • Excel in creativity and problem-solving, essential in software development.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
We break down the two main categories of motivation:
• Intrinsic Motivators: Internal drivers like mastering a skill, autonomy, and working on meaningful projects. • Extrinsic Motivators: External factors like salary, promotions, and work-life balance.
Key Intrinsic Factors:
- Development needs addressed
- Technically challenging work
- Identify with the task
- Employee participation/ involvement/ working with others
- Career Path
- Making a contribution/task significance
- Recognition
- Trust/respect
- Equity
- Empowerment/ responsibility
Key Extrinsic Factors:
- Rewards and incentives
- Good management
- Sense of belonging/ supportive relationships
- Work/life balance
- Employee participation/ involvement/ working with others
- Appropriate working conditions/ environment /equipment/ tools / physical space /quiet
- Sufficient resources
Moderators That Affect Motivation
Understanding that motivation isn’t one-size-fits-all, we discuss factors that influence individual motivation:
• Career Stage: Different motivators for juniors vs. senior engineers. • Cultural Background: How cultural differences impact motivation. • Job Type: Varying motivations between product-focused and infrastructure teams. • Company Size and Structure: Preferences for startup environments vs. corporate structures.
Motivation Theories You Should Know
- Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory: Distinguishes between factors that cause job satisfaction and those that cause dissatisfaction.
- Job Characteristics Theory: Emphasizes job-person fit and how the nature of the work itself motivates individuals.
Actionable Steps for Leaders
• Evaluate your team’s intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. • Map out where needs are being met and where improvements are needed. • Align tasks and roles with individual team members’ motivations. • Foster an environment that supports both personal growth and team success.
Agile and Motivation
Discover how Agile methodologies, like Scrum, can address many intrinsic and extrinsic motivational needs by providing structure and freedom to innovate.