QFM035: Engineering Leadership Reading List - September 2024

Source: Photo by Alex Lion on Unsplash

In September’s Engineering Leadership Reading List, we explore a spectrum of topics ranging from innovative management philosophies to practical career advice. We start with an examination of how tech teams can improve efficiency and trust. In No Estimations – Stop the Theater, Yaniv Preiss proposes a fresh take on task prioritisation, suggesting that abandoning traditional estimations can foster transparency and reduce stress, providing a solid foundation for productive teamwork.

A recurring theme this month is the nuanced role of leadership, particularly the importance of adaptable and intentional management. Articles like Manager Antipatterns provide insights into common pitfalls that derail managerial effectiveness, while Tech Leadership Maxims by Aviv Ben-Yosef presents guiding principles to help tech leaders align their strategies with organisational goals. The theme of thoughtful leadership extends to team dynamics and culture, as explored in The Cultural Characteristics of Fast-Paced, High-Performance Teams, where research highlights how fostering joint problem-solving and mutual value recognition can enhance team resilience and performance.

The reading list also includes resources for individual growth within tech leadership. Articles such as Unpacking Interview Questions by Jacob Kaplan-Moss and Three Critical Questions to Turn the Tables During Technical Interviews by Marianne Bellotti provide valuable guidance on navigating technical interviews and understanding the candidate perspective. These articles underscore the importance of a well-rounded approach to hiring and career development, particularly in building teams that balance technical depth with a shared vision.

We finish with How Superhuman Built an Engine to Find Product Market Fit that delves into methodologies for achieving product-market fit. Meanwhile, Words on Founder Mode offers a perspective on Y-Combinator's Paul Graham earlier piece on 'founder mode', highlighting the critical differences between this operating mode and traditional management styles.

As always, the Quantum Fax Machine Propellor Hat Key will guide your browsing. Enjoy!

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Regards, M@

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Originally published on quantumfaxmachine.com and cross-posted on Medium.