Comments on: Love It or Leave It

By: Sean Nieuwoudt

Sean Nieuwoudt — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the read, I agree.

To be a great programmer isnt easy, many people do it only because its a ‘job’ and they have bills to pay – no passion for what they create.

Sean
http://twitter.com/SeanNieuwoudt

By: Rone di Kristu

Rone di Kristu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

'to entice a team with pizza and soda and make a day out of it'

I think that not the idea itself is the problem. It is a good one: having fun while working. What matters to me is the trigger.

If the suggestion came from the gathered group this would be a good sign. Otherwise the idea is still great but more for extrinsic motivational purpose.

On the other hand we should never forget, that we are all human beings and no robots. Even the greatest stars among God's creatures deserve a break - or two, three. Have a look at Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods - would someone really think that these fabulus sport stars were 24/7 100% commited to their sports career?

I think that there is something wrong when you believe that there is something wrong in human nature, when they sometimes need external stimulation.

The aim is to increase the ratio of people who can motivate themselfes more easily (so does the leader?) Demand anything but perfection.

To be honest, if it only takes a pizza to spike creativity I would go for it. It is cheap, effective and tastes good.

By: fsilber

fsilber — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I am all for continuous improvement. What I find frustrating is that my income does not continually increase as I improve. Instead, I have to continually improve just to stay where I am and not lose my ability to find work.

By: Tim Kadlec

Tim Kadlec — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the great discussion guys!

@Jim - You are correct that some companies, unfortunately, don't always allow for time for training and development. However, like you also said, if you are truly passionate about getting better at your craft, you will find the time and the means to improve.

@Rone - You make some good points that we should keep in mind. Everybody needs a break some time. And I doubt that Budd was saying having a bit of fun with it was a problem, and that certainly wasn't the point I was trying to convey either.

Having fun with it is fine...great even! The problem is when that is the *only* way to get people interested in improving their skills and products. That should be something everyone sees the value in, regardless of extra incentives.

By: Jim R. Wilson

Jim R. Wilson — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

There is one other reason: sometimes employers don’t appreciate the need to learn and become better at the craft, and look down on spending time to do so (unless it’s sanctioned ‘training’).

Most of the places I’ve worked aren’t like that, but I do know that they exist. A great developer will grow anyway, or find a different gig.