I don’t think the key is inspiring them, it’s understanding them. Empathy. Why are they a team of ‘meh’ programmers. Is there no upward mobility? Does no on

I don’t think the key is inspiring them, it’s understanding them. Empathy. Why are they a team of ‘meh’ programmers. Is there no upward mobility? Does no one care how they perform? Are they just clocking time? Words are so hollow. Understand which people on the team have potential and why that potential isn’t being filled. What do they want? How can you help them achieve what they want and in the process have them help you achieve what you want, a well functioning team. The leadership myth is some great profit on stage rousing people with inspiration. That doesn’t last and is often counter productive. Leading people is primarily at the individual level. Junior Officers and NCOs lead people into combat, not Generals. Understand your team, empathize with them, and then figure out how to move everyone in a direction you all want to go.