"keep your devs [...] always working on something they want" this seems to be the uber-rule for everyone who employs a developer. If you can guarantee that one

"keep your devs [...] always working on something they want" this seems to be the uber-rule for everyone who employs a developer. If you can guarantee that one (granted, it's huge) requirement, you should not get into trouble with your engineering workforce. All other things might not automatically fall into place, but once you got your people motivated through their work, a big part is in good care.