The simple answer: work on a problem/product whose solution is both fun and challenging, then recruit developers who respond to fun challenges. Don't do mediocr

The simple answer: work on a problem/product whose solution is both fun and challenging, then recruit developers who respond to fun challenges. Don't do mediocre shit, or if you must, don't expect it to be easy to get other people excited to give above-standard effort to it over an extended period. I worked some nights and some weekends from November through January because I was doing something that I truly enjoyed. No one had to ask me – I did it on my own initiative because that's where my mind went each time it was allowed to wander. It was awesome. edit: Oh, and get out the ass-in-seat model of productivity. All this bonus time happened at home, in my comfy apartment. At the same time, it wasn't a death march. If I needed a break, I took it. I spent plenty of nights/weekends relaxing, having fun with my girlfriend, and otherwise doing my own thing. I felt no pressure to put in the extra time and no guilt when I didn't. In the end, everyone got a great deal. I work on stuff I truly enjoy, my employer gets substantially more productive juice than is standard, and everything is flexible. Of course, even on your own initiative, it's possible to burn out. I'm a little frayed after all that effort, fun though it definitely was. Still figuring out how to regroup and recharge, and I'm a bit slower now as a result.