Yes, I'm A Wein-borg

I freely, willingly, and proudly admit to being a Jerry Weinberg follower and fan. Jerry not only was here when the first computers arrived, he was actually a computer himself! (That was the name given to people who calculated numbers all day, you see.)

Not only has Jerry been around since the beginning of the computer era, he has been dispensing wisdom regarding programming and interpersonal relationships (because even when you think you have a software problem, you really have a people problem) that entire time. Jerry travels the world helping teams in the flesh, but his wisdom is also available via a plethora of books. I consider the following to be indispensable:

• Are Your Lights On? (with Don Gause). Don't be fooled by the easy read - this book is packed with ideas for powering up your thinking process.


• Becoming a Technical Leader. If you want to be one, this book will help you get there. If you think you already are one, this book will help you be a better one.


• An Introduction to General Systems Thinking. Don't start reading this unless you are prepared to start seeing systems everywhere you go.


• Secrets of Consulting and More Secrets of Consulting. Oh, you're not a consultant, you say? Read these books anyway. While a few consultant-specific topics (such as setting your price sheet) are covered, mostly these books are about working effectively with people. And who couldn't use some tips about that?


• What Did You Say? (with Charles N. Seashore and Edith Whitfield Seashore). Those three of you who never have to give feedback, don't bother reading this book. Everybody else, though, if you would like your feedback to be more effective, do yourself a favor and read - nay, study - this book's teachings.


• Weinberg on Writing. Almost certainly your job involves some form of writing. If you'd like that writing to be better, this book will help. Even if you only write status reports!

While these titles are top of my list, really each of Jerry's books is a great read. Unless of course you don't want to learn anything...

Posted by The Braidy Tester at 07:30 AM  Permalink