Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default.' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.
Laura Hogan's "Resilient Management" offers a practical guide to effective leadership in the tech industry. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in building strong teams. Hogan explores various leadership styles and provides actionable strategies for fostering a positive and productive work environment. She highlights the crucial roles of mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship in developing individual team members. The book is a valuable resource for engineering managers and leaders seeking to improve their skills and create a more resilient and successful team.
In 'Switch', Chip and Dan Heath explain that the primary obstacle to change is the conflict between the rational mind and the emotional mind. They present a framework for change that involves directing the rational mind, motivating the emotional mind, and shaping the environment. The book uses compelling stories and decades of research in psychology and sociology to illustrate how everyday people have achieved significant changes in various contexts, such as healthcare, home organization, and customer service.
Camille Fournier's "The Manager's Path" provides a comprehensive guide to engineering management, offering insights into various aspects of leadership in technical teams. The book covers topics such as building high-performing teams, managing conflict, and making effective decisions. Fournier's experience in the tech industry provides a practical perspective, offering relatable scenarios and actionable strategies. The book is a valuable resource for aspiring and experienced engineering managers seeking to improve their skills and effectiveness. It offers a structured approach to navigating the challenges and opportunities of leadership in a technical environment.
In 'Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?', Seth Godin argues that the modern workplace has evolved beyond the traditional roles of management and labor. He introduces the concept of 'linchpins' – individuals who are indispensable to their organizations because they invent, lead, connect others, and create order out of chaos. Godin emphasizes the importance of creativity, passion, and art in one's work, suggesting that these qualities make an individual irreplaceable. The book encourages readers to stop being mere cogs in a machine and instead strive to become artists who bring unique value and meaning to their work and organizations.
This week we’re bringing you a remaster of our epic 2021interview with Lara Hogan – author of Resilient Management and management coach / trainer for the tech industry.
The majority of our conversation focuses on the four primary hats leaders and managers end up wearing; mentoring, coaching, sponsoring, and delivering feedback. We also talk about knowing when you’re ready to lead, empathy and compassion, and learning to lead.
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Featuring:
- Lara Hogan – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, X
- Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
- Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Show Notes:
Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!
The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source 
