Episode 25: Understanding the Business and Managing Without Being a Developer

In episode 25, Jamison and Dave answer these question:

How do I understand the business side better?

• Analysis of tabs vs spaces
• How does your business make money?
• Just ask your CEO/manager
• Kill the myth of the pointy-haired boss
• Smaller companies expose you to this more
• Just ask questions:
  • What was our revenue last month?
  • How much did we spend last month?
  • Who are our biggest customers?
  • How does the sales process work?
• The Dave Smith Method® for learning business jargon.
• Be kind and have empathy when you learn.

Can I be a good technical manager without a technical background?

• Technical leadership vs management.
• Management means empathy and understanding. Can you get that without “coming up through the ranks”?
• What are the skills of a good manager?
• Does being a developer give you those skills?
• Dave is a Night Elf Code Mage.
• How do you handle technical concerns as a non-technical person?
• Don’t fake technical knowledge.
• Leading a team when you don’t directly see the effect of your actions.
• Managing Nerds by Rands.
• Jamison’s former boss’s technical expertise