Engineering management books can sometimes be a bit technical, like the field of engineering itself. Of course, it’s no surprise that engineers often view the task as one of exacting competence – like their work. Yet management can, in truth, be its own thing because it deals with people. Humans pose their own set of challenges, and few can speak authoritatively about both realms. Thus, few good books exist in this domain. Unfortunately, many engineers are promoted to become first-time managers each year. What is to be done? Sarah Drasner, an engineering manager at Google, answers this call by authoring an approachable book to enlighten us how to approach this daunting task.
Drasner’s tenor is very relatable. She approaches management as something done beside a direct report instead of above them. I prefer that philosophy. She dissects many aspects of managerial relationships and teamwork, including one-on-ones, collaborations, feedback, values, and self-care. Throughout, she shares personal stories with honesty that cultivate a sense of humanity about her and in the reader.
In truth, nothing that she says here hasn’t been said in other places. Nonetheless, it conveys a relatively concise, high-level overview for someone entering the job of engineering management. She approaches this task from the specific perspective of software development, but other domains of engineering and science surely can fall under this book’s umbrella. The text itself can be read even after a strenuous day’s mental work.
Those aspiring to engineering leadership can learn from this book. It’s especially geared to newcomers to the task since it does not expand at length on complex ideas. It also provides copious book recommendations for more advanced topics. I don’t believe that it can stand as a standalone guide to engineering management, but it certainly can serve as a part of a reading list to orient newbies to the work. Books often make the best, most patient mentors, and this book’s mentorship will guide a rising generation to the task.
Engineering Management for the Rest of Us
By Sarah Drasner
Copyright (c) 2022
Skill Recordings
ISBN13 9798986769318
Page Count: 209
Genre: Engineering Management
www.amazon.com