Description

You.next() is an easy and useful book for software developers who are thinking about the progression of their careers. Written in a simple style with lighthearted comics and great real-world examples, this book is a must for anyone in the software field given the very real pressures of global economics, outsourcing, and advancing technologies.

You.next() demystifies the leadership career track and provides a step-by-step outline for those who are ready to take full control of their careers and seriously consider joining the leadership ranks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What led you to write this book?

Computer programming jobs are being outsourced to developing economies.  At the same time, new technologies constantly challenge the skills of the remaining workers.  These circumstances create a trap for the once lucrative job of computer programmer – nowhere to go, and dwindling opportunities.  The impact is not just on the individual but on the economy as a whole, which suffers without the necessary innovation, quality and entrepreneurship that accompanies confident leaders.

You.next() identifies the key factors that will help the right programmers move into management, stop the wrong ones from trying it, and help all of them achieve a perspective of satisfaction and pride in their careers.

Why is this book important?

If it has the desired effect, this work has the potential to dramatically improve a very large segment of the engineering field which currently underperforms relative to its more established peers.  We hope to get software developers to consider management for its unique challenges rather than rejecting management for lack of knowledge about it.  By helping them understand management, their own personal aptitude for it, and how to progress toward a career in it, we hope to provide greater job satisfaction for all readers, whether they choose a management career or not. 

            Why a business book for technical people?

Many of the traditional ideas of leadership (communication, charisma) are irrelevant to proficiency in software development which means that the field does not tend to develop its own “natural leaders.”

The leadership process has to be explained in logical terms while the ambiguities of managing people and projects are introduced as measurable quantities that can be tracked.  This approach provides a life-saving bridge that will allow a fundamentally left-brained person to survive long enough to learn how success works in a fundamentally right-brained leadership role.

Why is this book unique?

1)    It is a career book (i.e. business or self-help) but it was created specifically for the left-brain focus of a software developer.

2)    Two authors at different developmental stages:  The value of experience in the software development management field combined with the freshness of someone who is only now learning to do it.

3)    It addresses a very tight subject that is a continuous concern of a large and growing number of people.

4)    The authors are experienced with the field of software development on four continents.  The authors are from the Czech Republic and a combination of the United States and Spain.

5)    It is very practical in nature, with many examples and simple questions that will allow the reader to be persuaded easily without too much extrapolation.

Who is the Audience?

Primary: Software developers, quality assurance personnel and any other engineering personnel engaged in the creation of software unless they are already in advanced stages of management.  The audience Includes people considering software development as a career or a change into software development from a different career.  Includes global markets of rapidly growing software development economies.

Secondary:  existing leaders in software development careers working to better understand the issues facing their teams or as a refresher on how to deal with management issues they face.  Includes executives working to understand the dynamics of software development organizations.

Also, human resources and career counselors advising software developers. 

Can companies use this book?

Many opportunities in this area – many large software development companies will choose to distribute this material widely.  The authors plan courseware associated with the text to encourage diffusion of the material.

Who will read this book?

The typical reader is a professional software developer with 2 years of experience who is experiencing career pressure and is considering an alternate role.  This individual may fear for their job because of the down economy or global outsourcing.  They may be seeking ways to differentiate themselves or help understanding how to lead a startup company.

Why would someone choose this book instead of one about technical skills?

You.next() helps software developers understand how to build timeless skills that are of higher value than their ability to write software.  For example, By understanding why programs are needed, rather than just building programs, software developers can gravitate out of pure technical roles and provide leadership to their companies.  These leadership roles are core competencies for businesses and cannot be outsourced.  Even better, leadership skills are needed to power the outsourcing effort, turning this career threat into an asset.

New technologies constantly challenge the skills of most people who are working in the software development trade.  Either they stay current with an evolving stream of skills or they face becoming obsolete.  You.next() connects the value of leadership with the idea of new career growth and stability, providing a viable option for progress.  The book helps programmers move into management; it stops the wrong ones from trying to make the move, and helps all of them achieve a perspective of satisfaction and pride for the work they do.