Here’s a list of books I’ve read (completely or partially) that I found helpful in learning more about leading software engineering teams, managing software projects, and more. If you’re transitioning to a role as a software engineering team leader or engineering manager, I highly recommend these to help you get a good start. Even if you’re well on your way in the role, it’s always nice to learn new insights.
Click on the images to buy the book (or e-book) on Amazon and I hope you enjoy them!
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On management
“The Essential Drucker” by Peter Drucker
Drucker is the classic thought leader when it comes to management. This is the book that I started reading when I realized (a little bit late) that management was a whole different career for me and that what had made me successful as a software engineer probably wouldn’t be enough in this new world. This isn’t an easy read as some examples and concepts can seem quite dated but when you come across an idea that fits right into a problem you’re facing, it becomes well worth it.
“Managing Humans” by Michael Lopp
I read this as I transitioned into my new job early 2019. Similar to Drucker, Lopp (a.k.a. Rands) points out the not so obvious work and skills needed to successfully lead and manage software engineering teams. If you’re working in software, this is probably a lot more relatable to you as Rands comes from the same background. You’ll likely enjoy all the bits of humor sprinkled across the pages as well.
(Read my review of this book by clicking this link.)
“Reinventing Organizations” by Frederic Laloux
This is a philosophy book, more than anything, but it’s so practical, I would consider it ideal for every manager and entrepreneur to read. Forming and sustaining organizations is what a manager needs to do a lot of times, and this gives a new perspective into how that can be achieved. Ironically, one of the concepts described – self-management – seems to make managers (as a job) redundant, but I believe management is every employee’s job and this simply highlights that.
On software development processes
“The Nature Of Software Development” by Ron Jeffries
This book provide great insights on how modern and agile software development works. The illustrations that Jeffries creates are really thought-provoking and give a great nutshell view that you can show non-technical people as a look into what you do. I would recommend this book to anyone just transitioning into an agile software development process, as I had at one point, and it puts into perspective how and why it works for software.
“Sprint” by Jake Knapp
Not to be confused with “sprints” in scrum teams, “design sprints” are about solving problems and testing ideas rapidly. This is one of the more practical books I’m recommending as there’s an in-depth guide to how design sprints work. The concepts and sub-processes that make up a design sprint have also turned out to be very helpful for me in other applications where some level of brainstorming is needed.
“Measure What Matters” by John Doerr
This is the book on OKRs (objectives and key results), now a widely-accepted management tool for aligning and measuring goals throughout an organization. What can be measured can be improved, and this describes one simplistic but effective way to do it. Even if you have your own metrics system in place for your organization, the important insights in this book are likely to improve any of your objective-setting efforts.
On business
“Originals” by Adam Grant
Not a traditional business book, but a great book for businessmen and entrepreneurs nonetheless. It breaks down preconceived notions that might be hindering creativity in your organization, and points out the unique ways the world’s creative minds think. The stories are super interesting, and the statistics sometimes difficult to believe. In any case, it’s a great book for both learning and as a recreational read.
(Read my review of this book by clicking this link.)
“Roadside MBA” by Mazzeo, Oyer, and Schaefer
Probably one of the lesser known books in this list, but reading this gave me a very good bullet list of everything that goes into starting, developing, and scaling a business. The best part is that the stories are of “roadside” or small-to-medium businesses, and that makes the whole thing easier to relate to compared to the usual books on tech giants and unicorns.
That’s it for now. Keep posted for more in the future!