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Think Like a Software Engineering Manager

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Unlock your full potential as an effective, efficient, and inspiring leader, and be the software engineering manager that your team deserves!

Think Like a Software Engineering Manager is full of all the skills you’ll need to thrive in software leadership,


Most dev teams are only as good as their leader. Think Like a Software Engineering Manager teaches you the skills you need to hire, train, and lead a successful software development team. In this practical guide, you’ll explore all aspects of the Software Engineering manager’s job, from operational practices along the software development lifecycle to the core skills of handling humans. Experienced team leader Akansha Gupta provides a well-tested framework that can help you handle almost any quandary or crisis, along with interesting and revelatory stories about her experience as an engineering manager.

About the technology
A superb software engineering manager needs to wear many amazing communicator, effective decision maker, thoughtful mentor, and, of course, technical expert. This book helps you build your strengths and shore up your weaknesses so you can lead a productive team that consistently delivers quality software.

About the book
Think Like a Software Engineering Manager covers the three pillars of software leadership people, product, and process. You’ll start with the core concepts of employee management, including handling performance, effective hiring, and when you need to delegate. You’ll quickly progress to the secrets of delivering large scale projects, implementing DevOps, and managing change—everything you need to lead like a pro. Anecdotes and stories from experts in industry give you insider knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, exercises at the end of each chapter help solidify your understanding and prepare you for success in the role.

About the reader
For anyone interested in leading software teams, from engineers and project/product managers considering a career move to experienced EMs looking to grow and improve.

About the author
Akanksha Gupta is an experienced Engineering Manager currently leading full stack teams with Amazon AWS. Prior to AWS, she has worked for Robinhood, Audible, and Microsoft. She is an Amazon Bar Raiser, helping with hiring initiatives and calibration of potential candidates, and has been a mentor to early and mid-career developers, and is a huge advocate of Women in Tech.

352 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2024

7 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Akanksha Gupta

28 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Francisco.
5 reviews
August 22, 2024
Akanksha take the readers through a journey offering a comprehensive guide for software professionals looking to transition into managerial roles. The book provides insights on moving from an individual contributor to a managerial position, with a focus on honing the skills necessary to lead a successful software development team. The book includes real-world stories from renowned leaders in top companies which adds depth and richness to the best practices outlined in it.

Readers will benefit from the practical advice and well-tested framework, which covers essential aspects of the software engineering manager's role. From operational practices throughout the software development lifecycle to handling the human side of leadership, the book offers a holistic approach to leadership development.

The book also emphasizes the importance of being an effective communicator, decision-maker, mentor, and technical expert as a software engineering manager. By highlighting the three pillars of software leadership—people, product, and process—the book equips readers with the tools they need to thrive in leadership roles.

In summary I would say the book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to unlock their full potential as a leader in the software industry. Akanksha's practical advice, coupled with insightful anecdotes and exercises, make this book essential and joyful, with a fresh writing style a reading for aspiring software engineering managers.

Definitely recommended
1 review
August 16, 2024
"Think Like a Software Engineering Manager" serves as an essential guide for both aspiring managers in the tech industry and those already holding the reins.
This book offers a wealth of practical insights and relatable examples that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. What stands out is the author's ability to articulate complex management dilemmas in an engaging and educational manner.
Whether you're aiming to step into a management role or seeking to enhance your current practices, this book offers a clear pathway to understanding the intricacies of managing software engineering teams effectively.
Profile Image for Christoph Kappel.
463 reviews9 followers
May 23, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was point, contained lots of references and ideas from books that I've also read and added a few more to my reading list.

Especially the part of your own ongoing development really matches my personal style.
1 review
August 17, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It bridges the gap between technical expertise and effective leadership. I highly recommend it to anyone in a managerial role in software engineering or indeed looking to transition to such a role.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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