# Soft Skill Books That Will Make You a Better Developer - AddyOsmani.com Synced: [[2023_11_30]] 6:03 AM Last Highlighted: [[2023_11_05]]  ## Highlights [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef7yt62vmedpt1fajz36bj5) > Break down big goals into small, manageable habits. Focus on processes, not outcomes. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef7zgzmx2z9s70c413dqh7f) > Identify the few major areas where you can make the greatest impact vs. just doing busy-work [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef805320zjns9c3rr923kr6) > • Manage your time effectively - focus on priority tasks without interruptions. Schedule thinking time. > • Make effective decisions - consider alternatives, weigh risks, consult with others, make clear choices. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef81q930c2rt8bvkgvz1w39) > • Empower and challenge team members instead of micromanaging. Get people thinking and taking initiative. > • Create space for people to contribute beyond their official roles. Draw out their skills. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef822nqjdekp2exvay35bb1) > Avoid accidentally diminishing people - belittling ideas, overcontrolling, underutilizing talent. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef83v4xj6c885n94aqj8tbs) > Maintain comprehensive to-do lists and calendars to stay organized. Break projects into next actions. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef84jt07tmjmq53wrq7mn9d) > Build psychological safety on teams so people feel comfortable taking risks. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef85bf8y5xkkk4gnzt1nf8p) > • Encourage small signals of inclusion and caring between members. > • Define core values and principles to guide decisions and norms. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef85wz93ssba1my3d3dryz6) > Directly challenge people when their work needs improvement - be caring personally but candid professionally. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef864p19ynncr5fnqr1sdkt) > Praise good work clearly and sincerely. Show you notice and appreciate their efforts. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef86sm7bhbax01px049zsx5) > Listen attentively and ask questions to understand issues fully before judging [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef88vsng27da335crjerq07) > Encourage constructive conflict and open debate instead of forced consensus. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8bsxqnhymrkcngdqq13q7) > Hold each other accountable for behaviors and results. Call out issues respectfully [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8d0j9n8hx8f4c0pmsc2m2) > Focus on collective results, not individual goals. Prioritize team success. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8db5a96zytg4hq8fwqps0) > Disruptive innovations often come from outsiders and new entrants, not incumbent leaders. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8dw63tmc2hyhcbx212vs8) > Focus on customers' evolving jobs-to-be-done, not existing product categories. Be ready to cannibalize your own products. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8eapz2h7yfq0qe1tvpbxf) > Separate disruptive teams from legacy business constraints. Empower them to experiment. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8f9ryeakadtpwvktrgcfx) > • Question your core assumptions and beliefs regularly. Be willing to change any view with new evidence. > • Seek dissenting voices and have productive arguments to stress test ideas [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8fek34btm17egppveeps9) > Update your beliefs incrementally as the world changes. Don't cling to old narratives too long. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8g7981tvp9eca2e3pkf8n) > Look for process and communication problems before blaming people. Ask why before who. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8grz0b9pbem2n336jn48s) > Codify tribal knowledge and assumptions. Make work visible to spot gaps. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8hb5vscxff9b9vktf8srz) > Set clear, measurable goals. Break down strategy into specific, concrete task [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8hmvnky1y89aqadkhpv8v) > Give frequent coaching and feedback focused on performance, not the person [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8hw98n00bs0ap4qmzckra) > Delegate responsibility, but follow up on results. Inspect what you expect. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8jhh3bg518w2d9ermapx1) > Launch MVPs to validated learning vs. elaborate products. Test critical assumptions quickly. [[2023_11_05]] [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hef8k6kf8egjh8s0fce88vnd) > Habits form through cue, routine, reward loops. Identify the cues to change habits.