Reading that book represented a step change in my productivity, because I learned to communicate in a way that better prioritized my tasks. I've read it three times now.
Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
11–20 of 88 posts
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#12probably also C.N.Parkinson laws (of burocracy)... as computing is the ultimate burocracy.
and... Winnie the pooh, and the Little prince. aloud (to a kid probably). Really. esp. if u muse over what u just read aloud..
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#13The Systems Bible
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#14Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#15and/or
"Flow: the psychology of optimal experience" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (or any of his other publications as they overlap a lot)
Understanding the psychology behind motivation and productivity is going to buy you way more than most productivity hacks IMHO, and even more helpful if you have to work with people.
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#16https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-...
If resolving conflict is a skill that you are weak in, this or any book that promotes growth in that area will lead to improved satisfaction on the job for both you and your colleagues.
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#17https://pragprog.com/book/ahptl/pragmatic-thinking-and-learn...
I found it tremendously useful both in my career (where I can legit say I'm pretty good) and with outside activities like karate (where I'm very early in the learning cycle). It's one thing to tell people they need 10,000 hours to be competent at something, but quite a lot more helpful to explain all the steps along the way.
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#18https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1203186.The_Existential_...
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#19The Systems Bible
A great book to understand the general workings of systems, be they technical or human (including companies, governments, ...)
Very useful to go from plain programming to actually identifiying problems and solving them efficiently.
https://www.amazon.com/SYSTEMANTICS-SYSTEMS-BIBLE-John-Gall-...
Re: Ask HN: Which non-programming books are a beneficial read for programmers?
#201. "How to win friends and influence people" - Dale Carnegie
2. "The seven habits of highly effective people". - Stephen Levy