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I’m reading some articles on managing people all the time (mostly from Software Lead Weekly newsletter). And recently, I’ve opened Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice to read a few chapters on a problem I’m facing at work.

And WOW a proper book on the topic is SOOO much better than any random article that I find, be it from SWLW, HN, Reddit, or any other source. Articles and posts are easy to like when I already agree with their premise. But the depth of a proper book, from a real source of authority and not some random person online, looking at the problem from multiple points, that’s so much more insightful and useful.

So instead of hunting for best articles, I would 100% recommend getting Armstrong, or some textbook. Or at least High Output Management as other comment suggested, or some other well known and well regarded book. But Armstrong in particular can give you very deep understanding of most aspects of people management, plus it’s up-to-date.




How applicable is Armstrong for folks in the USA? The amazon reviews suggest it's specific to UK laws and regulations.


I'm in the EU and it seems plenty applicable but perhaps UK and EU are more similar than UK and US.

I have read maybe 50% of the book only (there's no point in reading these things cover to cover) and haven't noticed many things specific to any particular laws or regulations. Performance management faces the same challenges in all markets. Knowledge management has the same principles everywhere. And so on.


I found this blog post by rand pretty enlightening:

https://randsinrepose.com/archives/the-update-the-vent-and-t...


Rands is awesome, and “Managing Humans” is just about the best management book I own.


Bringing up the Boss is a great one I recommend as someone who studied and consults on management in tech.




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