Having to set objectives for developers, even though objectives don't work [closed]

Answer 1

"Ensure that at least n% of your code is tested by a suitable unit test" Use a coverage tool to prove it, and have someone else review for test quality.

Answer 2

Having to set objectives for developers, even though they don’t work

If your developers don't work, perhaps some objectives are just what they need to give them some incentive? ;-)

Answer 3

One of the problems would seem to be that as a division/department IT organisations don't have measurable strategic goals. If they did it would be easier to set the goals for the individuals.

e.g. If there was a departmental initiative to reduce the number of problem tickets raised, then, you could set an individuals goals based on the number of tickets related to the software they look after.

Since software development is largly a collabarative it would make more sense to set goals at the team level, and, then rate individuals according to thier contribution to the team.

Answer 4

Measurable objectives I have seen so far:

• Pass a certificate exam
• Research technology X and hold a presentation about it
• Number of build breaking changes committed
• Number of wiki articles written on the internal knowledge management

How about asking your developers directly if they have some ideas for personal development which then could be used for objectives?

Answer 5

This all boils down to the fact that "first level management", and most any management doesnt know their employees. Instead of being part of the actual day to day planning and development, things like SMART pops up. If managers were to spend more time with the guys who does the actual work, none of this would be needed.

Personally, I prefer working in an agile environment where it is obvious who of the developers performs in terms of productivity and quality awareness. A true agile approach requires that not only developers, but designers, testers, customers and product managers are included in the process. This naturally leads to better insights from the managers point of view.

Answer 6

An objectives that I like is:

Solicit N positive reviews of your involvement in a project from the project client.

This helps as it is always good to have some written positive feedback from customers (internal or external). Its not hard to get, its relevant and it is an easy, but not meaningless tick on the list.