Leading Geeks

Beschreibung

Winner of the 2003 Financial Times Germany/getAbstract Business& Finance Book Award Leading Geeks challenges the conventional wisdom thatleadership methods are universal and gives executives and managersthe understanding they need to manage and lead the technologists onwhom they have become so dependent. This much-needed book? writtenin nontechnical language by Paul Glen, a highly acclaimedmanagement consultant? gives clear directions on how to effectivelylead these brilliant yet notoriously resistant-to-being-managedknowledge workers. Glen not only provides proven managementstrategies but also background on why traditional approaches oftendon't work with geeks. Leading Geeks describes the beliefsand behavior of geeks, their group dynamics, and the unique natureof technical work. It also offers a unique twelve-part model thatexplains how knowledge workers deliver value to anorganization.

Autor*in

Paul Glen

Themen in »Leading Geeks«

Business & Management Business Technology Führung Human Resource Management Management / Leadership Management f. Führungskräfte Personalmanagement Unternehmenstechnologie Wirtschaft u. Management

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Technology has so clearly woven itself into the fabric of businessculture that publishing Glen's book on how to manage the people whoproduce high tech makes perfect sense. The author, founder of aconsulting firm specializing in IT organizations, assumes that"geeks" are not everyday people, and draws on his experience topresent clear and simple techniques for employers to not just getwhat they need out of tech workers but to become the kind ofmanagers who will mesh well with this new kind of employee. Glen'sinsight is to treat high technology as a creative product producedby temperamental people who are a cross between artists andprofessionals. This view stems from the ambiguity of "geekwork" andthe fact that geeks usually know more about what they do than dotheir managers. Though Glen doesn't advocate turning the factoriesover to the workers, his aim is to make managers more effective byteaching them about the people they lead, not by giving them toolsto bend employees to their will. He does an excellent job ofenumerating geek characteristics and the context in which geekworktakes place, providing ample material on what works with geeks andwhat doesn't, such as "intrinsic" or "extrinsic" motivators, andvaluable advice, like "never underestimate the power of free food."Though it doesn't contain much new material, Glen's easily readablebook will prove exceptionally useful for managers who feel leftbehind by the pace of technology or bosses seeking to betterunderstand their information age employees. (Nov.) (PublishersWeekly, October 21, 2002) "Winner of the 2003 Financial Times Germany and getAbstractAward for best book on business leadership""Managing technology talent is more critical today than everbefore. This book brings an insightful and delightful perspective." -- James Champy, chairman of consulting, Perot SystemsCorporation "In this provocative book, Paul Glen provides excellent advicefor managing 'geeks' the computer nerds and other high-tech gurusof the 21st century. But his insights apply equally well to thechallenge of leading any group of specialists for whom esotericknowledge is more important than power, and expertise moredeterminative of social dominance than bureaucratic hierarchy,including actors, athletes, university faculty, musicians, doctors,and bond traders." -- Steven Sample, president, University of SouthernCalifornia "With an uncanny perception, Leading Geeks provides rareinsight into managing often confusing and complex IT professionals.Whether you have minimal or extensive experience managingtechnologists, you will be inspired by this book." -- Craig McLeod, director of information technology, SanDiego City Schools "Highly talented technical people are a separate breed, andmanaging them is a delicate art. Paul Glen's new book, LeadingGeeks, is essential reading for any manager facing thedifficult challenge of leading, motivating, and rewarding technicalcontributors. Paul has done the improbable he's taken hisexperience and knowledge of technical leadership and produced afunny, engaging, and valuable work that is a treasure trove ofwisdom for technical managers." -- Rick Freedman, author, The IT Consultant "We ought to stop complaining about technical wizards and learnhow to utilize their considerable talents. Paul Glen helps us to dothat better than I ever dreamed possible." -- Alan Weiss, author, The Ultimate ConsultantSeries "I identify with geeks and, therefore, recommend this book notonly for those who manage, work, and live with geeks, but also forgeeks. It helps us to get to know ourselves better. Read it oncefor fun and once for meaning, then keep it and expect to refer backto it." -- Dolph Santello, principal consultant, MicrosoftCorporation
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