Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager, James Stanier, 2020

The book provides a comprehensive guide to transitioning from an individual contributor to an effective engineering manager. It emphasizes the importance of enabling teams to succeed by fostering psychological safety, clear communication, and structured processes. Through practical frameworks and actionable insights, it offers strategies for delegation, team alignment, and continuous improvement.

Top 3 Learnings:

1. A manager’s success is measured by the success of their team—creating an environment of psychological safety and clarity is key.
2. Effective delegation involves finding the right balance between accountability and responsibility, adjusting it individually for each task.
3. Structured communication, including regular updates and one-on-ones with clear agendas, fosters alignment and continuous progress.