An old saying:
-
- "Don't create the thing; create the environment."
It's used to sway managers away from
MicroManagement. Instead of reviewing every line of code to make sure you get what you want, create a worthwhile and rewarding environment that automatically motivates developers to do what you want.
An old approach - make a list of what you mean:
Present here for managers a list of the things that would motivate creativity:
(The change of description at the head of this page ("creative"-> "do what you want") may have rendered my lists irrelevant. Feel free to move/delete)
Creative environments often have
- challenge
- freedom
- support for different ideas (and systems for communicating them)
- trust
- dynamism
- playfulness
- debates
- conflict
- support risk taking
- allow time for investigating ideas
- scenery
- music
Barriers to creativity. The inverses would help creativity.
- Inadequate recruitment/selection
- Confused organisational structure
- Inadequate control
- Poor tools
- Poor training
- Low motivation
- Poor teamwork
- Inappropriate management philosophy
- Unclear aims
- Unfair rewards
Then the manager can
CreateTheEnvironment and you can Create the Thing.
See also:
WuWei