From time to time, I am asked what books I could suggest for an engineering leader with a fresh coat of paint. Since I am lazy optimize for efficiency, I decided to cobble the list here and just share the link. I don’t strive here for quantity but for quality.
To Smooth the Transition
Leading Snowflakes: The New Engineering Manager’s Handbook by Oren Ellenbogen
This short handbook is packed with practical advice for new engineering managers, covering topics from productivity tips and team dynamics to personal development and hiring. I wholeheartedly recommend it as the first read for those transitioning to leadership roles.
The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Julie Zhuo shares her personal journey from a novice manager to a seasoned leader, offering practical advice and insights. This book is an excellent resource for new managers struggling with the transition from contributor to leader. The personal aspect of her story adds a relatable touch.
This fictional narrative illustrates the principles of engineering management. The third-person perspective may help you gain a broader view of your own situations and challenges ahead. The archetypes of the book’s characters can easily mirror real-life scenarios, additionally providing insights on how to enhance both engineering performance and business outcomes.
To Broaden the View
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni
This classic, succinct fable outlines common pitfalls that prevent teams from reaching their full potential. Based on my experience, I have seen these dysfunctions often enough in real teams to strongly recommend reading—and re-reading—this book. Strategies to overcome these dysfunctions are crucial for building cohesive and effective teams.
Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams by Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister
Another timeless classic that delves into the human aspects of software development. It explores team dynamics, work environments, and the critical role of leadership in managing people effectively to achieve successful project outcomes.
High Output Management by Andrew S. Grove
Given Intel’s current struggles, this book serves as a cautionary tale that good leadership needs to be nurtured constantly. Written by former Intel CEO Andrew Grove, one of the architects of Intel’s success, it explores his management philosophies and techniques for achieving high productivity. The book extensively covers topics from performance measurement to effective meetings and decision-making.
To Build Essential Resilience
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith
Leadership naturally brings challenges and increased stress. This book offers a set of up-to-date, practical advice and coping strategies for dealing with everyday challenges and maintaining mental well-being, not only in work-related settings. Dr. Julie Smith shares insights from her experience as a clinical psychologist, making complex concepts both accessible and actionable.
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
You may find it surprising to see a book about sleep here, but trust me, it’s essential. Written by neuroscientist Matthew Walker, this book explores the vital role of sleep in our health, productivity, and overall well-being. Drawing from my own experience with tightly packed, stressful schedules, I’ve found that good sleep is indeed the cure for maintaining mental and physical resilience.
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
I won’t lie, the book’s core idea resonates deeply with me. In a complex, rapidly changing world, generalists—who develop a broad range of skills and experiences—are more likely to excel. Read and think for yourself: I find myself agreeing that versatility and the ability to adapt are crucial for resilience and long-term success. After all, specialization is for insects :)
I hope these recommendations help you as much as they’ve helped me. I plan to occasionally revisit and update this list, ensuring it stays concise and filled with impactful reads.
P.S.: Feel free to contact me to share your thoughts or suggest other titles that have shaped your leadership journey.
Cover photo by Tom Hermans on Unsplash
