Recommended Books for Engineering Leaders

Someone I mentor asked me for a list of books I would recommend for an engineering leader.

The list is below.  They are all quick and entertaining reads with great return on your time investment.






How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age - Dale Carnegie

A classic that is a must-read.  It covers:
  • Six ways to make a lasting impression
  • How to maintain others' trust
  • How to lead change without the resistance of resentment
Even if you have read earlier versions, I would recommend reading this one as it has been updated to cover more modern forms of communication. 
This covers the dysfunctions via a fable, then covers each dysfunction in detail.

The five dysfunctions:
  • Inattention to results
  • Avoidance of accountability
  • Lack of commitment
  • Fear of conflict
  • Absence of trust
Told as a story, this book covers identifying and resolving interpersonal and organization dysfunction.

Start with Why - Simon Sinek

"People like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers had little in common, but they all started with WHY. They realized that people won't truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it."

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right - Atul Gawande

How well crafted checklists can help both novices and experts get better results.



What books am I missing that you would recommend?
 
 
Photo by Alfons Morales on Unsplash

Comments

  1. Extreme Ownership and the Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Without a doubt those 2 books have changed the way I lead teams, build relationships with other teams, and work collaboratively to achieve a goal or objective. The books outline core principles and practices that continue to help me identify the right balance of action, drive and perseverance. If you are working with a team at any level of leadership, those 2 books give people the right mindset and attitude to accomplish the goal.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mentoring Club

How GitLab hires Engineers