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Top 5 Books on Engineering Management and Leadership
Discover 5 essential books on engineering management and leadership that will elevate your skills and understanding in the field.
Book Summaries
Bent Flyvbjerg's data-driven insights into project management provide essential strategies for success in large-scale projects, making it invaluable for engineers and managers alike.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Planning is crucial: Think slow, act fast
- Avoid the commitment fallacy by questioning assumptions
- Start with "why" and think from right to left
Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow
Matthew Skelton's book provides a comprehensive model for organizing IT teams, essential for anyone looking to enhance collaboration and productivity in tech environments.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Conway's law shapes software architecture through team structures
- Team-first approach optimizes for cognitive load and flow
- Four fundamental team topologies drive effective software delivery
Systems of Engineering Management
Will Larson's book offers practical insights into engineering management, emphasizing systems thinking and organizational challenges, making it a must-read for aspiring leaders.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Organizational design is the foundation of scalable engineering management
- Effective managers balance team size and performance metrics
- Implement systematic approaches to hiring and career development
Making the Most of Change
William Bridges' insights into the psychological aspects of transitions are crucial for leaders navigating change, making this book a valuable resource for effective management.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Change is situational, transition is psychological
- Transition involves three phases: Ending, Neutral Zone, and New Beginning
- Manage endings by acknowledging losses and compensating for them
Mark Horstman's practical, data-driven approach to management focuses on essential skills for new managers, making it a must-read for those looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Build strong relationships with your team through regular one-on-ones
- Deliver effective feedback to encourage future behavior
- Coach your team members to improve their performance
