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Ask HN: Do you know any good books on management?

I've been working on my video game start-up company for a while now. Our team is a diverse group consisting of developers, artists, designers and an audio person. I have a background in software so I understand how to handle developers. A concern of mine lately is that I realize I'm not leveraging my team member's full potential, particularly the non-programming roles. Do you know of any books where I can gain some insight in management?

Ovid 13y ago
Particularly for the non-programming roles, I recommend the One Minute Manager (http://www.amazon.com/The-Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard/dp/0688014291 http://www.amazon.com/The-Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard/d...). This was written long before agile became a "thing", but it was a way of managing effectively with very little effort. It's a bit dated (my copy had advice about briefly putting your hand on the employee's shoulder to let them know you really care about them. Do not do this!) Aside from that, here was my experience with the book back in the 1980s: I was managing a small family entertainment center and I was working too hard and was on the verge of being fired. I was told to buy the book. When I got done with it, I applied what it said, I dramatically reworked procedures to be clearer and simpler and found myself with too much time on my hands and the center was much easier to run. I wound up going from being on the verge of getting fired to getting multiple promotions and transfers to better locations. Some people don't like the book, claiming it's too simplistic, but it's short, and both easy to remember and apply.
- greatergoodguy 13y ago
  Thank you for your suggestion! It seems like there is no private messaging function and I couldn't find your email but I wanted to thank you for your help.
ayers 13y ago
I could not recommend Drive by Dan Pink[1] enough. It is not a book on management but is very insightful into what motivates people. I believe this is a great book for someone in a management position. [1]: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/184767769X/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivat...
- greatergoodguy 13y ago
  I greatly appreciate your suggestion! This looks great for being able to understand my team members better and allowing them to reach their full potential. A personal thank you from me for taking time to give me that suggestion.
  - joshux 13y ago
    you can also see his TED talk video: http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html

Ovid 13y ago

Particularly for the non-programming roles, I recommend the One Minute Manager (http://www.amazon.com/The-Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard/dp/0688014291 http://www.amazon.com/The-Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard/d...). This was written long before agile became a "thing", but it was a way of managing effectively with very little effort. It's a bit dated (my copy had advice about briefly putting your hand on the employee's shoulder to let them know you really care about them. Do not do this!) Aside from that, here was my experience with the book back in the 1980s: I was managing a small family entertainment center and I was working too hard and was on the verge of being fired. I was told to buy the book. When I got done with it, I applied what it said, I dramatically reworked procedures to be clearer and simpler and found myself with too much time on my hands and the center was much easier to run. I wound up going from being on the verge of getting fired to getting multiple promotions and transfers to better locations. Some people don't like the book, claiming it's too simplistic, but it's short, and both easy to remember and apply.

greatergoodguy 13y ago
Thank you for your suggestion! It seems like there is no private messaging function and I couldn't find your email but I wanted to thank you for your help.

ayers 13y ago

I could not recommend Drive by Dan Pink[1] enough. It is not a book on management but is very insightful into what motivates people. I believe this is a great book for someone in a management position. [1]: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/184767769X/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivat...

greatergoodguy 13y ago
I greatly appreciate your suggestion! This looks great for being able to understand my team members better and allowing them to reach their full potential. A personal thank you from me for taking time to give me that suggestion.
- joshux 13y ago
  you can also see his TED talk video: http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html