I have a decent job where I manage a few people, and it's always a challenge. I try to lead and motivate people and yet it's not always easy.
So, are there any Leadership and/or Management books/resources that HN likes?
If it matters, I am in operations, a technical person, but not a SWE or similar.
Thanks in advance.
Have you reflected on what do you feel is challenging wrt to leading and motivate people? It could be psych safety on the team, your communication style, unclear mission, lack of purpose, high turnover, newly formed team, etc, etc.
It's easier when you have 1-2 areas that you know you need to get better at, and then intentionally invest time and energy. It also helps to make your team aware that you're trying to improve on those areas, so a) you demonstrate vulnerability and effort to improve your own areas for development, and b) you need their help to give you candid feedback, so you can improve more quickly.
Leading teams is probably one of the hardest professional challenges I've ever faced, but it can be incredibly fulfilling as well. I hope you end up enjoying it.
Here's my recommended reading for new-ish managers. These are the books I wish I had read when I first started managing people:
1) Radical Candor, by Kim Scott - https://www.radicalcandor.com/
2) Resilient Management, by Lara Hogan - https://resilient-management.com/
3) Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown (or any of her other books; they all revolve around the importance of vulnerability, of being in the field, being authentic, etc) - https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/
4) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni
For experienced managers of managers / Directors, I recommend:
1) What got you here won't get you there, Marshall Goldsmith
2) Team of Teams, Gen. Stanley McChrystal
3) Trillion Dollar Coach
4) How women rise, by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
5) and get an executive coach ASAP
If you have any specific questions / challenges you're facing, feel free to reach out; email in my profile.