Managing Humans: Biting and Humorous Tales of a Software Engineering Manager

Michael Lopp offers a candid and wry guide to the realities of managing software engineering teams, drawing on his extensive experience at major tech companies like Apple, Netscape, and Symantec. Rather than presenting dry theoretical frameworks, Lopp uses a collection of biting, humorous anecdotes to illustrate the chaotic, often dysfunctional dynamics of Silicon Valley workplaces. The book addresses practical challenges such as dealing with difficult bosses, handling underperforming employees, and navigating the politics of hiring and project management.

The writing style is conversational and unapologetically direct, treating management not as a mystical ritual but as a set of human problems that require clear communication and emotional intelligence. Lopp argues that while writing code may be technically straightforward, managing the people who write it is significantly harder. The text serves as both a survival manual for new managers and a source of recognition for those already navigating the complexities of corporate tech culture, emphasizing that listening to your team and mastering one-on-one interactions are critical to success.

Description adapted from Open Library ↗.