The question:

I was just promoted from Senior Software Developer to Software Development Manager. What things can I do to motivate my team?

The answer's beginning:

First, congratulations on your promotion. I also started my career as a programmer and found the move to manager to be exciting, thought provoking, and sometimes a little bit scary. As a bad take-off on my favorite old soft drink jingle, “I’m a techie, you’re a techie, your staff are techies too.” As a result, think about the things that motivate and excite you professionally. Many of these same things may also motivate and excite your staff. Over the years I have found that if I simply treat my staff like I would like to be treated, I’m doing most things right. Specifically to your question . . .