Since the move I have not been reading as much as I probably should, but this is a book that I have been meaning to post up, but just have been busy and pushed it off to the side, well here is the review. Enjoy!
Are you a Project Manager, a VP, maybe even someone who was a coder? Maybe you started as a developer and now have 5 or more people your “in charge of”?
Well you NEED to pickup this book, NOW! I will be the first to tell you first hand this book works. How do I know this works because I saw it working before I read the book! While reading this book I saw many of the concepts being used (at that time) by my boss the GREAT Ron Chambers at Ziff Davis Media. (who is currently taking a mini-retirement)
While working with Ron at Ziff Davis Media, I learned a lot as a project manger and saw how Ron would do many of the concepts in this book. From Project Planning, Giving Feedback, one on one meetings, and running effective meetings. While reading this book I was amazed at how much of this was being implemented at this position. I agree with this book and find it not only an enjoyable read, but something to reference later in life. Leadership is NOT a skilled your born with, it’s something learned over time. I see many people who need to step up to the plate and DO, by becoming leaders. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who is thinking about upper management or is current in a position of upper management.
Being a Manager or even a VP can be tough and hard on anyone. The emotions, drama, and every workplace has it, so if you are a “higher up” take a look at this book and understand that work is not just a 9 to 5 job, but learning to understand people while helping them get their work done faster and more enjoyable. No one likes to be an outsider in the workplace and by learning how to deal with conflicts as well as discuss potential problems you can be more efficiency in the workplace as well as enjoy working! (imagine that!)
Branded Pens
Hello,
Thanks for the book reviews with a geek twist.
Can you provide more info as to the title and author of this book. A few searches leads to pages with “Desperate Housewives” in the results. Also, since your in a similar environment to my career, consider posting an amazon bug so you get a nickel if I buy the book you review. It would make it that much easier and quicker for me to acquire that knowledge.
Happy Day,
Ed
The title is “Behind Closed Doors: Secrets of Great management”. It was written by Johanna Rothman and Esther Derby. Johanna Rothman is a consultant and is the author of more then 100 articles. Johanna is best known for Hiring the Best knowledge Workers, Techies & Nerds.
Esther Derby is a consultant who blends technical and managerial issues with people skills. Esther’s articles have appeared in Better Software, Software Development, Cutter IT Journal, and Cross Talk. She wirtes regular columns for stickyminds.com and computerworld.com
The book is published by The Pragmatic Programmers, the publisher for agile development. As for giving me a nickel, you should be able to click through on this review on support my review. If not you can at least click through and buy something on amazon. (Thanks!)
I think it’s a great book and complements some of the other geek books that any coder/manager should read, such as 4 hour work week, Getting Things Done, and a The world is flat.