Since you're a co-owner of a software start-up:
* Don't take in volunteers for anything else than fixing bugs. Training them costs time and they will leave when the fun part is over.
* Don't hire too many, because productivity goes down quickly with version conflicts, poor communication and middle management. Focus on a core team of multi-talented developers that have a skill for each part of the development cycle.
* Don't ask them if everything's fine before giving an anonymous channel for constructive feedback. Don't give leading yes/no questions. Ask what the biggest concern is. Otherwise they will say the polite standard phrase and hide their frustration until resigning.
* Don't take the fun tasks yourself. Give them to new developers as a welcome gift that leaves a good first impression.
* Don't be biased when hiring. It gives a bad reputation and increases initial salary demands.
* Don't post jobs unless you're sure that you'll hire someone. Each interview costs money so make up your mind quickly.
* Don't hire people with too many big companies on their resume. They seek prestige and are a bad influence for juniors.
* Don't sell a feature before asking RnD if it's possible to make.
* Never hire a boss who isn't educated in leadership. Train bosses ahead of time and stop hiring juniors if there's not enough seniors to guide them.
37 minutes ago, Tom Sloper said:
Sorry, but that makes no sense to me. It certainly does not respond to Dawoodoz's advice (which is very good). Bro gamer culture is pure poison.
I said what?