If we look to the core of a web page we can say that all of them share the similar structures, functionalities: save data in database, upload pictures etc. In long term I wonder how this kind of job can be in the same time provocative, challenging and creative. It is the result, the final product that makes this job to be a provocative one. Rarely you see web pages with the same design, serving the same purpose. Maybe for some developers implementing some changes for a customers is the same, but the results is always different, a little child who is smiling, or a nice lady in blue dress with brown hair who is trying to explain the process of fertility.

For the project managers it is not easy at all to motivate developers and to create a motivating and challenging spirit in the team. How can you motivate a programmer? How do you explain to a programmer – “we need a new site very similar to the last one, you know, just uploading pictures, save data in DB” – in a way to make him feel challenged?

For a project manager is wise not to try to motivate by saying ”you have done this before; it is about a couple of if clauses, save the data in DB and that’s it …” A programmer is not a robot, if you need somebody to hit the keyboard with 10 fingers 8 hours a day a stenographer is your man. Programming is creating, is an art. In general, motivation is a very difficult process to manage and understand. The presence of motivation (good salary, excellent working conditions, young team spirit, and multinational entourage) does not guarantee high performance or successful work, but its absence can cause serious problems on the long term.

One of the main tasks for a project manager is to motivate the programmers. As a project manager you need to make sure that the programmer understands what the customer’s expectations are, understands how the software will impact the final users and most of all what is the benefit for all who will use the software. You have to bravely go with your developers where no man has gone before. Example, by writing codes for Claire’s site (Clearblue), you have the chance to find out every little part of women’s fertility, and this could be useful too – you never know when you would like to have children.

In a world full with challenges where one has to concentrate all day long, humor has always been a very strategical tool. Having fun I consider is a very good “instrument” for motivating programmers. It doesn’t matter if this is to watch a movie or to have karaoke, bowling, or closet making, the main thing is to have fun, to relax. As a project manager we must know that keyboard for the programmer is like the paintbrush for a painter. Give the painter nice surroundings it will create a masterpiece, give the programmer “nice surroundings” he will produce high performance.

One thing a project manager should keep in mind: a happy programmer is a productive one.

Miska