wrighters.net

I was first exposed to Michael Lopp’s writing from his blog, Rands in Repose. Rands is his pen name, and the blog deals with issues around managing technology professionals, from a Silicon Valley perspective. When I heard that he had published a book, I knew I had to read it. Managing Humans is 34 chapters divided into three parts: The Management Quiver, The Process is the Product, and Versions of You. Each chapter reads like a short essay, some of them have already been published in some form on his blog. Since I am not a manager, the first part was not as relevant for me in my day-to-day work, but really helped me to better understand my current and past managers. Just like watching Office Space, this book will give you so many “That’s so true!” moments. I’m sure anyone reading read the book will have the same experience, even if they have not worked in technology in any capacity - just being in an organization with more than one layer would suffice. I am going to make sure my manager reads this book, especially the first section. The second section is very helpful for anyone involved in software or technology projects. The third section has some great chapters on resumes, interviews, starting a new job, and navigating meetings.

I think having my wife read the chapter on N.A.D.D. (Nerd Attention Deficiency Disorder) and A Nerd in a Cave will do more to help her understand me than hours of conversation on the subjects covered there. For example, N.A.D.D. is essentially that condition that enables a nerd to listen to music, read through 5 blog posts a minute in Google Reader, carry on 5 IM conversations, and write code all at the same time. Any Nerd will read these chapters and find themselves nodding and agreeing with the way the topic has been dealt with.

I also appreciated the chapter on outsourcing. There is some really good career advice in this book, especially for those of us in technical jobs. The book is also a quick read, in N.A.D.D.-friendly 5 page chapters. I found I could digest a few chapters on the commute home with no trouble. Take a look at the blog, and if you like the writing, pick up the book.