[mcherm]

Different techniques work with different individuals. If I were that developer, then "level with me" would probably be the best approach. "Hey, Michael: lately you've been spending lots of time on Facebook/Twitter and we have a release in a week. I'm worried. What's up?".

[Sakes]

I am a developer and I definitely agree with the above.

The reason your programmer is not motivated anymore is because he doesn't care. This does not mean that he will never care, just that he does not care right now.

So how do you get him to care? Talk to him directly. Be clear about what you want (his commitment to the work that you are paying him for) and find out what he wants. Then, assuming he is being reasonable, find a way to get him what he wants provided that he is providing you with quality work.

What motivates me personally? Learning new technologies, interesting projects, financial rewards for good work, and knowing that my employer cares.

I start to lose motivation when I've learned the new techs that my job calls for, when the projects begin to get stale/repetitive, when I start to feel like a cog in the wheel of a machine, and when raises come too slow.

There could also be something wrong in his personal life or maybe he has a new obsession (girlfriend, video games, new social circle).

I hope this gives you some perspective. Good luck.

[anthonyb]

There are all sorts of possibilities - in the past I've had trouble with motivation when my employer has insisted on doing things in a stupid way for no reason, or when their development methodology boils down to "I don't know what I want... but that's not it! work harder!"

Bottom line is that your dev isn't happy. Why isn't he happy? That's for you and him to find out - and be prepared for it to be your fault.

[howcanisaythis]

Thank you very much, very helpful insights.