This post is part of an ongoing series on the books that I have read as part of my continual professional development (CPD). All of my CPD posts ar available at the following link: Continual Professional Development
In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s easy to get caught up in code, architecture, and the latest tools. However, the success of any software project hinges on the people who build it. Michael Lopp’s “Managing Humans” offers a refreshing and often humorous perspective on leadership, reminding us that effective management is fundamentally about understanding and supporting the individuals within our teams.
As a technology consultant, I’ve found many of Lopp’s observations resonate deeply with the challenges and opportunities we face in modern workplaces, particularly within the tech industry. This post shares some key takeaways from the book, framed within the context of the evolving tech landscape.
The Importance of Seeing Your Team
You must see the people who work with you.
It’s easy to overlook the human element when focused on deliverables and deadlines. Truly effective leadership requires genuine engagement with the individuals who contribute to our projects. This means taking the time to understand their perspectives, their motivations, and their challenges—not just their technical skills. It’s about fostering a human connection that builds trust and encourages open communication, which ultimately leads to better outcomes.
Overcoming the Bias of Lack of Understanding
Because you don’t understand what they do, you are automatically biased against them.
Too often, we let our own expertise create a barrier to empathy. When we don’t fully grasp a colleague’s role or the complexities of their work, it’s tempting to undervalue their contributions. This can lead to miscommunication, unfair expectations, and a stifling of innovation. As leaders, we must actively work to overcome this bias by seeking to understand the work of everyone on the team, regardless of their specific role.
The Power and Intentionality of Meetings
Meetings are a necessary evil in any workplace, but they often become a drain on productivity when poorly managed. It’s easy to schedule meetings without a clear purpose or agenda, leading to wasted time and frustration.
If you must meet, start the meeting by remembering that the definition of a successful meeting is that when it is done, it need never occur again.
This isn’t a dismissal of collaboration, but rather a call for intentionality. Meetings frequently become unproductive time sinks. A well-run meeting has a clear purpose, a defined agenda, and a commitment to actionable outcomes. The goal should be to achieve clarity and alignment, so that subsequent meetings are unnecessary. This principle applies not just to formal meetings, but also to informal discussions and communication—striving for efficiency and focused interaction.
Building Trust Through Clear Communication
Communication is the bedrock of any successful team. Without clear and open communication, misunderstandings arise, projects derail, and morale suffers. Leaders must prioritize creating a safe space for honest dialogue and feedback.
Whenever I say something that might be ambiguous, I ask, ‘What did you hear?’
Effective communication is paramount in any team, and Lopp emphasizes the importance of active listening and clarity. This simple technique fosters a shared understanding and ensures everyone is on the same page. Furthermore, consistently giving someone your full attention builds a valuable “attention contract”: a tacit agreement of respect and focused engagement that strengthens working relationships.
Embracing Change and Fostering Creativity
The tech industry is in a constant state of flux. New technologies, methodologies, and approaches emerge rapidly, demanding adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. Resistance to change can stifle innovation and leave teams struggling to keep up.
A random search for unrelated inspiration allows your brain to sidestep whatever weight you’ve built around the task. You get to sneak in a heretofore hidden side door that can only be discovered with the help of an unknown creative stranger.
Software development is changing right this second.
Leaders must foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation, encouraging team members to explore new ideas and approaches. This involves creating an environment where it’s okay to fail, learn from mistakes, and iterate quickly. It also means staying informed about industry trends and providing opportunities for professional development.
The Necessity of Pragmatism
It’s tempting to chase the latest shiny object or implement a complex solution without fully considering the practical implications. This can lead to wasted time, resources, and ultimately, project failure.
A hard thing is never done by reading a list of books or an article about doing it. A hard thing is done by figuring out how to start.
We often fall for the allure of quick fixes, but true progress requires effort, perseverance, and a willingness to tackle complex challenges head-on. It’s about identifying the initial steps and committing to the process, rather than seeking a magic bullet. This pragmatic approach is essential for navigating the often-unpredictable world of technology.
The Importance of Considering Implications
In today’s interconnected world, technological solutions often have far-reaching consequences. It’s crucial to consider the potential impact of our work on individuals, communities, and the broader ecosystem.
Having a solution where all the implications of the solution are not understood is not a fix. You must take the time to explore all the implications.
A common pitfall is focusing on immediate solutions without considering the broader consequences. Before implementing any technical solution, it’s essential to understand its potential impact on the entire system, the team, and the business. This often requires a deeper level of analysis and planning than we typically allocate.
Investing in Team Progress
A disengaged and unmotivated team is a productivity killer. When team members feel undervalued or lack opportunities for growth, their performance suffers, and morale plummets.
The productivity costs surrounding microtasks don’t just involve the 30 minutes necessary to get them done, they include the context-switching tax.
Constantly interrupting or forcing team members to switch between tasks significantly hinders productivity. Creating an environment where people can focus on meaningful work is a key responsibility of any leader. This involves minimizing distractions and streamlining workflows to allow for deep work and sustained concentration.
Leading with Support and Empowerment
Leadership isn’t about dictating tasks and monitoring progress; it’s about empowering team members to take ownership and achieve their full potential. This requires trust, delegation, and a willingness to provide support when needed.
Part of your credibility as a leader is your public and repeated declaration that it’s your job to help your team succeed.
People always work better when they’re making forward progress on a task they have a chance of completing.
Effective leadership isn’t just about giving instructions; it’s about creating a supportive environment where team members feel empowered and valued. This means proactively offering assistance, removing obstacles, and celebrating successes. Ultimately, fostering a sense of progress and accomplishment is crucial for maintaining team morale and driving results.
Ready to Transform Your Team?
The lessons in “Managing Humans” are timeless and highly relevant to the challenges faced by technology leaders today. By focusing on people, fostering open communication, and embracing a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, we can create more effective, engaged, and ultimately successful teams.
If you’re looking to apply these principles to your own team and drive meaningful change within your technology organization, I’d be delighted to discuss how my strategic technology consultation services can help.
Learn more about how I can support your technology journey on the strategic technology consultation services page or by filling in the contact form below: