It is generally accepted that setting measurable objectives for software developers doesn't work , as too much focus on the objectives can lead to behaviour counter to the organisational goals (so-called "measurement dysfunction").
However, in my company, we are required to set objectives for all staff, and are encouraged by Human Resources to make them SMART. In the past, my fellow first-level managers (team leads) and I have tried a number of approaches:
None of these is ideal. If you have been in a similar situation of having to create meaningful, measurable objectives for software developers in spite of the evidence against their effectiveness, what approach has worked best for you?
Related questions I found that don't quite address the same point:
Update (18 November 2009): There are 10 upvotes for my question, and the highest-rated answers only have 4 upvotes (including one each from me). I think this tells us something: perhaps that Joel and the others are right, and that the combined wisdom of stackoverflow cannot come up with any compelling, measurable objectives for developers that could not be gamed without adversely affecting the true (unmeasurable) value of their work. Thanks for trying though!
In other words, goal-setting is a fragile way of trying to achieve results. Not only are goal unnecessary to achieve desired results (because they don't do anything systems don't already do), but they also create incentives that make it easy to achieve undesired results.
Measurement is hugely important because it will enable you to know whether an objective has been achieved. To be measurable an objective should describe an achievement or outcome which is or can be related to a percentage, a frequency, rate or number.
what approach has worked best for you?
Only one objective: pass a code inspection/peer review, with me as the reviewer, without me finding any bugs or having any other criticism, that has me asking you to redo something.
Notes:
If you love us? You can donate to us via Paypal or buy me a coffee so we can maintain and grow! Thank you!
Donate Us With