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.

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