How to Herd Cats. A Guide for Programmers Managing Other Programmers

«How to Herd Cats» — this is a book about leadership and management, about how to combine the first with the second. It is, if you will, a dictionary of difficult cases in managing IT projects. A programmer is like... a cat that walks alone. This has come about historically. That is why it is so difficult to be a leader of a team of programmers. Even if you were a brilliant and disciplined programmer just a month ago and suddenly found yourself in the role of a manager, you probably don’t know where to start, which leadership style to choose, how to hire and fire employees, conduct meetings, and ensure timely completion of tasks. In that case, this book is essential for you. Or maybe you are an experienced manager looking to reassess your leadership principles? Then, again, this book is for you. Regardless of age, gender, and social status, it will help you strengthen your position as a leader of programmers. The material is presented quite compactly and is easy to digest. Standing in a bookstore and pondering what to buy, ask yourself one simple question: «Do I need to improve my leadership skills?» I believe you will answer: «Yes», — and that means this book will be of great use to you.