Reviews (2)

• MGErickson

  2 years, 7 months ago at Barnes & Noble

  5.0 / 5.0

  The Good: The book was really a pretty quick read. It has lots of 'gems' of information - many of which you will find to be self-evident and well-know once you read them, but may be things that you never fully comprehended before. Some examples of this include: The Itch (chapter 3) - overall as tech professionals are a pretty mobile bunch, I don't know the exact stats, but I know I have averaged about 3 years per job, and I know many others who have similar resumes. This chapter describes some signs of an impending itch to change jobs, and gives advice to support analyzing and understanding the cause of the itch - helping you to make better choices; The Culture Chart (chapter 8) - In any job it is necessary to know the organization chart - you must be aware of who wields the power and can make or break your position in the company. But equally important (maybe more important) is to gain an understanding of the un-official leaders, movers and shakers in the company. There are many people who do not show up prominently on the official org chart, but they make things happen and drive many of the initiatives in the company; The Impossible (chapter 13) - It seems like so much of what we are asked to do is impossible, but there are times when 'management' doesn't even seem to try to mask it. These can be very stressful and/or exciting times. You will need to analyze the situation and determine if the the impossible request is a sign of insanity or an amazing opportunity in the making. I remember seeing a poster with Walt Disney saying something like - it's kind of fun to do the impossible. And there is really nothing quite like it!These are just a few of the insights that are presented in the book - I expect that you will find snippets of wisdom in nearly every chapter!The Bad: The only caution I would suggest about this book is the unnecessary (in my opinion) use of foul language. I am certainly used to hearing plenty of 'colorful' discussion at work (and in other environments), but I would prefer a little more effort on the part of the author and editor to present the content in a cleaner manner. I offer this in the review just as a word of caution to readers who may be offended. For me the content trumps this unfortunate flaw, but be warned.Summary: This book is a quick easy read that really delivers on giving the reader many insights into living and working as a geek (or nerd if you prefer the term). Many of the chapters will help the young and less experienced professionals chart a course for success in their career. But there are also many chapters that provide some pretty deep views into the life of a manager. These chapters should be of value to both practitioners and managers alike.

• INDEPENDENTREVIEWER

  2 years, 8 months ago at Barnes & Noble

  5.0 / 5.0

  Are you a geek? If you are, then this book is for you. Author Michael Lopp, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that walks the geek through the decision making process of how to find a better business career than just writing code.Lopp, begins by showing you the endless list of decisions and tasks you can perform as you consider and engage in the search for your next job. Next, the author documents the various plays you can make as you consider the next move in your career-from the early warning signs in your current job, to figuring out how to constructively stalk your future employer without a restraining order (just kidding). Then, he shows you how to manage-your manager, your peers or just managing to get through the day, if you are already in management. The author continues by explaining how to manage your time by obsessing about the tools you use in trying to understand the people around you. Next, he examines the amazing power of figuring out how to speak the language of your peers, so that you can learn how to convey your innovative ideas to everyone. Finally, the author covers scenarios both negative and positive that might influence the move to your next job. Whether the need for change is pressing or not, this most excellent book is definitely worth your reading time, because you've chosen to work in an industry that will always move faster than you. Change is constant, and that means that you constantly need to consider your next move. Remember, you should never wait for your ship to come in, but rather, go out to meet it!!