Your team is tackling algorithm optimization. How do you keep everyone motivated and engaged?

Real-Life Example: Optimizing a Search Algorithm Project: Improve the search functionality of a travel booking website. SMART Goals: Specific: Increase search result accuracy by integrating user behavior data. Measurable: Improve search relevance scores by 20% based on user feedback. Achievable: Implement and test within three months using current resources. Relevant: Enhance user experience, leading to higher booking rates. Time-bound: Complete and deploy the optimized algorithm by the end of Q3. Outcome: By setting these SMART goals, the team focuses on clear, attainable objectives, tracks progress, celebrates hitting milestones, and stays motivated to achieve the desired improvements.

I learned that when I worked with a big company. They have a really good mindset. They teach us how to think, how to react and many kind of skillsets. OKR setting goals, aware of SMART. and 1 of it is #IAmRemarkable. Set a goal and break it into milestones; it's good. But even if the milestone is hard, use those numbers and things to cheer each other on. We did some small things; they count.

SMART goals are always helpful. When it comes to algorithm design and optimization, however, proposing SMART goals is not always easy. An algorithm design/optimization task is different from most dev. tasks in that their achievability within a given time is not guaranteed. Algorithm development is frequently iterative, with continuous refinement and improvement based on results, much like the R&D cycle. Shifting the goal for algorithm dev. tasks from ticket completion to a more holistic evaluation of the team's work is crucial for algorithm developers. Here are some potential metrics and criteria: Algorithm Performance, Problem-Solving Ability, Impact Analysis.

Real-Life Example: Software Development Team Project: Develop a new feature for a productivity app. Foster Collaboration: Cross-Functional Teams: Include developers, designers, and QA engineers to work together from the start. Regular Meetings: Hold daily stand-ups to discuss progress, address issues, and align on goals. Shared Tools: Use collaborative tools like Slack for communication, Jira for project tracking, and GitHub for code sharing. Open Feedback: Encourage an environment where team members can freely give and receive constructive feedback. Team Building: Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and improve trust. Outcome: Enhanced teamwork, better problem-solving, and a more cohesive final product.

respect other POV. when you need to prove something, bring out the numbers. Measure everything; Ask question and share your ideas. Challenge Each Other; Be Nice... It's core value of a really big company that heavy on Algorithms. Working is also an algorithm that we can solve.

In my opinion, algorithm is something can not be mastered in short term. We have to practice it every day, understanding the concept and how it employed in software. So the hard part is that members should be listened and encouraged by the whole team. Members need to help each other. As long as we have a belief about ourselves, we could tackle the challenges.

Motivation is something from within. If we think of it as energy, recharge it before it's too late. Not when you burn out and hate your job. Keep an eye out for the people around you. Don't let it be too late. And to do so, listen more. Care for each other. Not that Agile scrum solves this issue. It's people and your culture help this happen.