To become a skilled tech lead, it’s important to keep learning all the time. One great way to learn is by reading good books.
Here’s a list of some of the best books for tech leaders. These books mainly focus on teaching about management, leadership, and people skills as well as software project management.
The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, George Spafford
A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win” by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, George Spafford. This novel teaches valuable lessons on managing IT projects and fostering collaboration between development and operations teams. Having this book written as novel makes it nice to read. As a bonus tip I can also recommend “The Deadline” by Tom de Marco. Although this book is a bit older, it still provides an easy to read story about IT project management basics.
buy “The Phoenix Project” on Amazon
Managing Humans by Michael Lopp
“Managing Humans” by Michael Lopp offers a candid and humorous look at the challenges of leading a team in the tech industry. Lopp draws from his own experiences from companies such as Apple, Pinterest, Palantir, Netscape, Symantec, Slack, and Borland to provide practical insights into managing engineers and technical professionals. The book covers a wide range of topics, including communication, conflict resolution, and career development. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, Lopp presents a valuable guide for both new and experienced tech leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of managing people.
buy “Managing Humans” on Amazon
Talking with Tech Leads by Pat Kua
The book emphasizes effective communication and collaboration skills for tech leads. It offers practical strategies for guiding technical teams, handling challenges, and fostering a positive work environment. Discover how more than 35 Tech Leads find the delicate balance between the technical and non-technical worlds. Kua’s insights, drawn from his extensive experience, provide a valuable resource for both aspiring and seasoned tech leads looking to enhance their leadership abilities and successfully navigate the dynamic landscape of software development projects.
buy “Talking with Tech Leads” on Amazon
The Manager’s Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Change by Camille Fournier
Fournier provides a roadmap for professionals transitioning into management roles within technology companies. The book covers various stages of a manager’s journey, from technical contributor to senior leadership positions, offering practical advice on skill development, team management, and decision-making. Fournier combines her personal experiences and industry insights to deliver a valuable resource that aids aspiring and current tech leaders in successfully managing growth and change throughout their careers.
buy “The Manager’s Path” on Amazon
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Kim Scott, a former executive at Google and later at Apple, collaborated with a team to create a course on effective leadership. This endeavor led to the development of her innovative management philosophy, known as Radical Candor. The concept revolves around open communication and sincere feedback in the workplace. Scott emphasizes the importance of both caring personally and challenging directly when interacting with team members.
buy “Radical Candor” on Amazon
No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
“No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention” offers an insightful exploration of the innovative and unconventional management principles that have shaped Netflix’s success. The book delves into Netflix’s unique corporate culture, characterized by freedom and responsibility, and sheds light on how these principles can be applied to other organizations. Through real-world examples and interviews with Netflix executives, the authors illustrate the power of fostering a culture that values employee autonomy, continuous improvement, and candid feedback. Reading this book provides valuable perspectives for leaders seeking to challenge traditional norms, encourage creativity, and drive positive change within their own companies.
buy “No Rules Rules” on Amazon
Read about important interview techniques in our article 5 tech interview techniques every tech leader must know
An Elegant Puzzle: Systems of Engineering Management by Will Larson
“An Elegant Puzzle: Systems of Engineering Management” offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate challenges faced by engineering managers. The book delves into the complexities of managing technical teams and systems, covering topics such as scaling, communication, decision-making, and fostering a productive work environment. Reading “An Elegant Puzzle” is valuable for both aspiring and experienced engineering managers. It offers a holistic perspective on the multifaceted nature of engineering management, providing guidance on how to navigate the intricacies of technical leadership.
buy “An Elegant Puzzle: Systems of Engineering Management” on Amazon
Conclusion: As a tech lead, your ability to lead and manage teams is as crucial as your technical expertise. These books offer a well-rounded approach to leadership, communication, and effective management within the tech industry. By reading books such as “Radical Candor,” “The Manager’s Path,” and “An Elegant Puzzle,” you can gain insights, strategies, and practical advice that will undoubtedly elevate your skills and help you navigate the challenges of being a successful tech lead.
So, why wait? Dive into these insightful books and embark on a journey toward becoming a more effective and impactful tech leader.