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Unwritten Laws of Engineering
This fully revised and updated edition of the 1944 classic serves as a crucial compilation of 'house rules' or a professional code. This new edition keeps the style of the original and much of its content. Changes reflect shifted societal values, changed employment laws and evolved corporate structures. Packed with contemporary examples, this new volume is a must for those entering the engineering field or for those interested in improving their professional effectiveness.
69 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2001
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W.J. King
7 books2 followersLibrarian note: There are other authors with this name in this data base. This one is W.J.^^King.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 18, 2017
This book was given to all of the engineers in my department and I could not recommend a professionally-oriented book more to anyone in a technical field. While much of it seems like common sense, it provides good reminders and insights in navigating the workplace. It covers all of the topics not covered explicitly in school and could prove useful to anyone, not just someone early in their career.
July 15, 2023
El título es tal vez un poco pomposo. En realidad este libro es una serie de consejos, dados con buenísima intención y bastante buen criterio, a ingenieros (aunque vale para cualquier otra profesión, pero ya sabemos que algunos ingenieros se creen gente especial).
Cosas como que en realidad no trabajas para la empresa, trabajas para tu jefe
El autor pasa por las relaciones con el jefe, con los compañeros, con los subordinados, con los vendors, con los clientes... y en cada una de esas categorías deja unos cuantos consejos que a veces son más obvios pero que siempre son útiles. Ejemplo del capítulo de relaciones interpersonales:
En general, muy recomendable.
Cosas como que en realidad no trabajas para la empresa, trabajas para tu jefe
Whatever the boss wants done takes top priority. You may think you have more important things to do first, but unless you obtain permission it is usually unwise to put any other project ahead of a specific assignment from your own boss.
El autor pasa por las relaciones con el jefe, con los compañeros, con los subordinados, con los vendors, con los clientes... y en cada una de esas categorías deja unos cuantos consejos que a veces son más obvios pero que siempre son útiles. Ejemplo del capítulo de relaciones interpersonales:
Cultivate the tendency to appreciate the good qualities, rather than the shortcomings of each individual.
Do not give vent to impatience or annoyance on slight provocation. Some offensive individuals seem to develop a striking capacity for becoming annoyed, which they indulge with little or no restraint.
Do not harbor grudges after disagreements involving honest differences of opinion. Keep your arguments on an objective basis and leave personalities out as much as possible.
Form the habit of considering the feelings and habits of others.
Do not become unduly preoccupied with your own selfish interests. It may be natural enough to "look out for Number One first," but when you do your associates will leave the matter entirely in your hands, whereas they will be much readier to defend your interests for you if you characteristically neglect them for unselfish reasons. This applies particularly to the matter of credit for accomplishments. It is much wiser to give your principal attention to the matter of getting the job done, or to building up your people, than to spend too much time pushing your personal interests ahead of everything else.
You need have no fear of being overlooked; about the only way to lose credit for a creditable job is to grab for it too avidly.
En general, muy recomendable.
August 14, 2017
The World may be a better place if the Holy Bible in hotel rooms will be replaced with this one. Just kidding, however I can recommend it to any newly-baked knowledge worker nowadays. It was also interesting to find a plenty of rules which are close to Agile principles. Common sense can't get outdated.
September 21, 2021
Wee bit outdated but it's short and has some helpful tidbits.
December 23, 2024
when u come home for christmas and ur dad makes u read this
February 2, 2025
Straight to the point. Useful advice for engineers of all skill levels and experience. Highly recommend
July 21, 2019
An excellent book on ethics and professional behaviour for engineers. The book is especially useful for engineers who are starting off in their careers or senior engineers who are making the transition into management. Many of the so-called "rules" are not rules per se but guidelines which can stand engineers in good stead.
The education system does not train engineers on EQ (emotional quotient) but only in technical skills. This is not enough to succeed in any organisation as many more factors are a play more than just technical competence such as communication skills, handling ambiguity, project management, people management (in all three directions - managing your boss, your peers and your subordinates) and a bias for action.
Wise, timeless advice as the book was originally written in 1944 and still is very relevant after several decades. A short read that weighs in at 69 pages. Something to refer to once in a while.
The education system does not train engineers on EQ (emotional quotient) but only in technical skills. This is not enough to succeed in any organisation as many more factors are a play more than just technical competence such as communication skills, handling ambiguity, project management, people management (in all three directions - managing your boss, your peers and your subordinates) and a bias for action.
Wise, timeless advice as the book was originally written in 1944 and still is very relevant after several decades. A short read that weighs in at 69 pages. Something to refer to once in a while.
November 15, 2015
Советы по отношению к работе и коллегам, впервые опубликованные в 1944 году. Адресованы молодым инженерам, но, по-моему, подходят для любой специальности. «Доводи начатое до конца», «не жди, сложа руки, пока другие сделают положенное», «держи менеджера в курсе происходящего в его зоне ответственности» и т.д. Мне было интересно увидеть советы «помни, что ты работаешь прежде всего на начальника, а не на благо общества» и «стремись быть неподдельно искренним, здороваясь с людьми (в тексте использовано “cordially” — прим. моё)». Не могу гарантировать, что вы найдёте в этой книжечке что-то новое для себя, но неписанные правила и не должны слишком удивлять.
January 23, 2018
I think every engineer in my office (myself included) should review these regularly. They are all things that "everybody knows" but few actually put into practice consistently, yet it is comprised of timeless wisdom that will not only make you a better engineer and person, but a more successful and happy one too.
Having compared this with the original, I think the revisions and additions are pretty good and think that in retrospect this is the version I would use going forward.
Having compared this with the original, I think the revisions and additions are pretty good and think that in retrospect this is the version I would use going forward.
February 5, 2014
If you think this 1944 book is only good for electrical and mechanical engineers, think again. The principles and laws described are just as good for software engineers and managers in tech companies. It is pretty short and concise, so I highly recommend it to everyone. My only pain is the 12 USD Amazon pricetag for a book you can breeze through in an hour.
November 17, 2015
Everything about being an engineer except the engineering itself. Book focuses on the soft skills aspect of the engineering what usually good engineers lack. Nevertheless it's quite old I can't say it's outdated(being a good human being never outdates). Worth reading as it's short and has valuable advices.
August 21, 2017
Good easy read on how to be a person and an engineer in the work place.
August 27, 2022
I appreciate that this was only a 1hr audiobook. Some decent tidbits but they couldn’t have made it less sexist with the recent revisions?!
June 13, 2025
Fui obrigado a ler por causa de uma resenha para a faculdade. No entanto, apesar de ser superficial, trouxe um apanhado geral de boas práticas para a conduta profissional. Em especial, de gerência. Vi problemas em meu chefe hoje mesmo: criticou seu subordinado na frente de outras pessoas e com um traço de sarcasmo para humilhá-lo. Apesar de não concordar com a atitude fraca desse subordinado, é claro que meu chefe foi provocativo. Essas entre outras questões são tratadas nesse livro. Vou deixar um pedaço do último capítulo, que me chocou, para ler posteriormente: "E também significa demonstrar mais do que um interesse superficial pela sua área de atuação, seja por meio da aquisição de livros, revis- tas e outras publicaçoes especializadas, ou do comparecimento a congressos e seminários. Você precisa encontrar meios de se manter atualizado a respeito das novas tecnologias no seu campo de atividade, contando ou não com o apoio de seu empregador. Se ficar esperando que alguém lhe ofereça essa atualização, você estará contribuindo de forma inevitável para sua obsolescência profissional. Tudo isso exige o sacrifício de uma parte de seu lazer e,talvez, despesas que sairão do próprio bolso" p. 110.
December 29, 2024
“Either it will rain, or it will snow, or the weather will be good.”
Does this book sound like this proverb? Yes
Is it extremely American and sometimes feels like a useless self help/ management book for smartass idiots? Yes
Is it its fault? No.
Is it worth a read? Of course!
Why?
Because contrary to popular belief and self perception engineering attracts “special” people. Then these people get the humanity and intelligence hammered out of them during school, and then they are introduced to one of the most gatekept and deliberately obtuse professional space.
So yeah worth the read, and better read when younger. But don’t gaslight yourself into thinking you found out the “unwritten laws of engineering.”
Does this book sound like this proverb? Yes
Is it extremely American and sometimes feels like a useless self help/ management book for smartass idiots? Yes
Is it its fault? No.
Is it worth a read? Of course!
Why?
Because contrary to popular belief and self perception engineering attracts “special” people. Then these people get the humanity and intelligence hammered out of them during school, and then they are introduced to one of the most gatekept and deliberately obtuse professional space.
So yeah worth the read, and better read when younger. But don’t gaslight yourself into thinking you found out the “unwritten laws of engineering.”
July 14, 2024
Short, inspired, mandatory reading on being an engineer. Everything you should expect out of yourself, your boss, and your subordinates. Strongly recommended.
September 4, 2024
This is the best professional help book out there, full stop. There is no fluff - it’s written by and for engineers - though despite the title, it’s applicable across domains. It also provides advice that applies to everyone, from managers and executives to those just starting out. I wish I’d known about this book years ago.
February 16, 2025
Given to me as a farewell from my mentor. Great insight into the “real” world of engineering as a profession. Would recommend for new grads who do not have much experience outside of academics.
July 31, 2025
Old. Relevant
September 12, 2025
The highest impact per word count ratio book I read this year. And surprisingly, I never saw it recommended in any engineering reading list.
October 24, 2025
Decent professional read
miscelanea
July 23, 2017De vez em quando aparece um livro que traz uma mensagem tão perene e universal que seus ensinamentos transcendem gerações. Esse é o caso de As regras de ouro da conduta profissional.
Publicado há mais de 60 anos, ele chegou a ser copiado e editado em um folheto que se tornou um fenômeno e foi parar nas mãos de ícones do meio empresarial como Jack Welch e Warren Buffett, que não lhe pouparam elogios. Agora, esta nova edição atualizada reúne os princípios que devem pautar o comportamento das pessoas em qualquer ambiente de trabalho.
Com um estilo direto e cativante, livre dos modismos e do jargão dos negócios, este livro se dirige tanto aos líderes experientes quanto aos jovens que estão apenas iniciando sua carreira.
W.J. King aborda as complexas questões do cotidiano das empresas e oferece conselhos práticos sobre como se relacionar com outros profissionais, se reportar ao chefe, estabelecer prioridades, organizar projetos, conduzir reuniões, progredir na carreira e muito mais.
Conheça algumas das regras de ouro apresentadas neste livro:
- Na hora de levar um problema ao seu chefe, apresente também as sugestões para resolvê-lo.
- Considere fracassada qualquer reunião que não terminar com um acordo a respeito do que terá de ser feito, de quem irá fazê-lo e de quando isso será feito.
- Se você não mostrar toda sua capacidade no atual cargo, é improvável que receba uma chance para tentar outra coisa.
- A idéia de que qualquer pessoa pode fazer qualquer coisa, bastando para isso que ela se dedique muito, é, na melhor das hipóteses, garantia de ineficiência e, na pior, uma fórmula para o fracasso.
- Ao lidar com clientes, lembre-se de que você representa a empresa, com responsabilidade e autoridade plenas.
- Abstenha-se de formar um julgamento ou tomar alguma iniciativa antes de conhecer e examinar todos os fatos.
- Ao realizar o trabalho de outra pessoa, é provável que você esteja negligenciando suas próprias funções.
****
"Quando li esta obra pela primeira vez, percebi que, além de se tratar de uma leitura prazerosa, sua mensagem havia resistido bravamente mesmo depois de tantas décadas." -
James G. Skakoon
Quando decidiu escrever este livro, lançado originalmente em 1944, W.J. King acreditava que, em qualquer empresa, os principais obstáculos que se antepõem ao sucesso são de natureza pessoal e administrativa. Ele percebeu que as pessoas enfrentam problemas muito maiores quando violam as regras da conduta profissional do que quando cometem erros técnicos relacionados à atividade que exercem.
Os ensinamentos de King se dividem em três partes: "O que o iniciante precisa aprender imediatamente", "Orientações aos gerentes" e "Considerações pessoais e profissionais". Veja, a seguir, alguns conselhos de King aos iniciantes:
Mesmo que suas primeiras tarefas pareçam triviais, dedique-se a elas de corpo e alma.
Ao executar um projeto, não espere passivamente que os outros – fornecedores, vendedores, colegas ou supervisores – cumpram suas promessas; permaneça em contato e cobre-os quando necessário.
Confirme suas instruções por escrito.
Quando for viajar a negócios, prepare-se para a viagem, conclua integralmente a tarefa e acompanhe os desdobramentos assim que retornar.
Jamais aparente hesitação.
Procure ser conciso e claro, tanto verbalmente quanto por escrito.
Não seja tímido – diga o que pensa. Manifeste-se e promova suas idéias.
Um de seus principais deveres perante o seu supervisor é mantê-lo informado sobre os fatos importantes.
Nunca se esqueça de que o seu supervisor imediato é o seu "patrão".
Tudo o que o seu supervisor pedir deverá ser encarado como prioridade máxima.
Nunca invada os domínios de outro departamento sem o conhecimento e a autorização do gerente encarregado.
Qualquer que seja a negociação, envolva todos aqueles que tenham o direito de participar.
Cultive o hábito de pedir opiniões e recomendações às pessoas.
Promessas, prazos de entrega e estimativas são instrumentos necessários e importantes em uma empresa bem organizada.
Quando estiver insatisfeito com o serviço de outro departamento, apresente sua queixa ao indivíduo mais diretamente responsável pela função em questão.
Publicado há mais de 60 anos, ele chegou a ser copiado e editado em um folheto que se tornou um fenômeno e foi parar nas mãos de ícones do meio empresarial como Jack Welch e Warren Buffett, que não lhe pouparam elogios. Agora, esta nova edição atualizada reúne os princípios que devem pautar o comportamento das pessoas em qualquer ambiente de trabalho.
Com um estilo direto e cativante, livre dos modismos e do jargão dos negócios, este livro se dirige tanto aos líderes experientes quanto aos jovens que estão apenas iniciando sua carreira.
W.J. King aborda as complexas questões do cotidiano das empresas e oferece conselhos práticos sobre como se relacionar com outros profissionais, se reportar ao chefe, estabelecer prioridades, organizar projetos, conduzir reuniões, progredir na carreira e muito mais.
Conheça algumas das regras de ouro apresentadas neste livro:
- Na hora de levar um problema ao seu chefe, apresente também as sugestões para resolvê-lo.
- Considere fracassada qualquer reunião que não terminar com um acordo a respeito do que terá de ser feito, de quem irá fazê-lo e de quando isso será feito.
- Se você não mostrar toda sua capacidade no atual cargo, é improvável que receba uma chance para tentar outra coisa.
- A idéia de que qualquer pessoa pode fazer qualquer coisa, bastando para isso que ela se dedique muito, é, na melhor das hipóteses, garantia de ineficiência e, na pior, uma fórmula para o fracasso.
- Ao lidar com clientes, lembre-se de que você representa a empresa, com responsabilidade e autoridade plenas.
- Abstenha-se de formar um julgamento ou tomar alguma iniciativa antes de conhecer e examinar todos os fatos.
- Ao realizar o trabalho de outra pessoa, é provável que você esteja negligenciando suas próprias funções.
****
"Quando li esta obra pela primeira vez, percebi que, além de se tratar de uma leitura prazerosa, sua mensagem havia resistido bravamente mesmo depois de tantas décadas." -
James G. Skakoon
Quando decidiu escrever este livro, lançado originalmente em 1944, W.J. King acreditava que, em qualquer empresa, os principais obstáculos que se antepõem ao sucesso são de natureza pessoal e administrativa. Ele percebeu que as pessoas enfrentam problemas muito maiores quando violam as regras da conduta profissional do que quando cometem erros técnicos relacionados à atividade que exercem.
Os ensinamentos de King se dividem em três partes: "O que o iniciante precisa aprender imediatamente", "Orientações aos gerentes" e "Considerações pessoais e profissionais". Veja, a seguir, alguns conselhos de King aos iniciantes:
Mesmo que suas primeiras tarefas pareçam triviais, dedique-se a elas de corpo e alma.
Ao executar um projeto, não espere passivamente que os outros – fornecedores, vendedores, colegas ou supervisores – cumpram suas promessas; permaneça em contato e cobre-os quando necessário.
Confirme suas instruções por escrito.
Quando for viajar a negócios, prepare-se para a viagem, conclua integralmente a tarefa e acompanhe os desdobramentos assim que retornar.
Jamais aparente hesitação.
Procure ser conciso e claro, tanto verbalmente quanto por escrito.
Não seja tímido – diga o que pensa. Manifeste-se e promova suas idéias.
Um de seus principais deveres perante o seu supervisor é mantê-lo informado sobre os fatos importantes.
Nunca se esqueça de que o seu supervisor imediato é o seu "patrão".
Tudo o que o seu supervisor pedir deverá ser encarado como prioridade máxima.
Nunca invada os domínios de outro departamento sem o conhecimento e a autorização do gerente encarregado.
Qualquer que seja a negociação, envolva todos aqueles que tenham o direito de participar.
Cultive o hábito de pedir opiniões e recomendações às pessoas.
Promessas, prazos de entrega e estimativas são instrumentos necessários e importantes em uma empresa bem organizada.
Quando estiver insatisfeito com o serviço de outro departamento, apresente sua queixa ao indivíduo mais diretamente responsável pela função em questão.
October 2, 2023
En The Unwritten Laws of Engineering se ofrecen diferentes consejos para avanzar en la carrera profesional. El libro es corto y sencillo y los consejos se centran en los aspectos sociales en el trabajo.
El libro se estructura en tres partes, la primera con consejos para recién incorporados en el mundo laboral, la segunda con consejos para directivos y la tercera como reflexiones generales. Los diferentes consejos son aspectos de sentido común que es interesante recordar. No hay ninguna idea rompedora, ni la forma de expresarlos es brillante, es simplemente una colección normal de consejos. Algunos puntos interesantes es considerar cómo la mayor parte de los problemas organizativos proviene de aspectos personales, y cómo se ha de atender a ellos para progresar. A partir de ahí se indica que se trabaja para el jefe que es a quien respondemos, que las tareas deben estar claras, o que debemos priorizar nuestro trabajo. Algunos aspectos que se describen es que se deben expresar las ideas sin timidez, que un sobre análisis puede ser peligroso y llevar a la parálisis y que la competencia nos adelante, cómo actuar con resolutividad nos lleva a posiciones de autoridad, o que la persistencia y el seguimiento son fundamentales en un proyecto.
El libro se escribe desde un punto de vista positivo, en el cual actuando bien se progresará, esto es cierto, pero tambien es cierto que en puestos directivos actualmente saltarse las reglas o actuar de manera no tan profesional también es recompensando. En el libro se indica que la actuación incorrecta es castigada, lo cual no se corresponde con la realidad. El lado oscuro existe, podemos obviarlo y nos irá mejor y seremos más felices. Es bueno comprender que nuestros superiores posiblemente no hayan sido tan virtuosos como el libro nos indica. El libro ofrece una realidad ideal, propia de la visión laboral optimista de postguerra (el libro es de 1944), pero quizás ese optimismo esté actualmente anticuado.
En general un libro sencillo con algún consejo interesante, pero que no ofrece ninguna idea rompedora o que nos lleve a una reflexión profunda.
El libro se estructura en tres partes, la primera con consejos para recién incorporados en el mundo laboral, la segunda con consejos para directivos y la tercera como reflexiones generales. Los diferentes consejos son aspectos de sentido común que es interesante recordar. No hay ninguna idea rompedora, ni la forma de expresarlos es brillante, es simplemente una colección normal de consejos. Algunos puntos interesantes es considerar cómo la mayor parte de los problemas organizativos proviene de aspectos personales, y cómo se ha de atender a ellos para progresar. A partir de ahí se indica que se trabaja para el jefe que es a quien respondemos, que las tareas deben estar claras, o que debemos priorizar nuestro trabajo. Algunos aspectos que se describen es que se deben expresar las ideas sin timidez, que un sobre análisis puede ser peligroso y llevar a la parálisis y que la competencia nos adelante, cómo actuar con resolutividad nos lleva a posiciones de autoridad, o que la persistencia y el seguimiento son fundamentales en un proyecto.
El libro se escribe desde un punto de vista positivo, en el cual actuando bien se progresará, esto es cierto, pero tambien es cierto que en puestos directivos actualmente saltarse las reglas o actuar de manera no tan profesional también es recompensando. En el libro se indica que la actuación incorrecta es castigada, lo cual no se corresponde con la realidad. El lado oscuro existe, podemos obviarlo y nos irá mejor y seremos más felices. Es bueno comprender que nuestros superiores posiblemente no hayan sido tan virtuosos como el libro nos indica. El libro ofrece una realidad ideal, propia de la visión laboral optimista de postguerra (el libro es de 1944), pero quizás ese optimismo esté actualmente anticuado.
En general un libro sencillo con algún consejo interesante, pero que no ofrece ninguna idea rompedora o que nos lleve a una reflexión profunda.
September 11, 2018
Good book. Recommend for anyone in even a remotely technical field. Engineer, programmer, help desk, anyone in IT, anyone managing anyone who they ask to regularly employ technical competencies of any sort.
Part of me wishes I had had this when I first started my current line of work. Part of me, however, is very glad that I did not. While this book is excellent at setting out ideal procedure, practice, habit, and even consieration along all of the dimensions of effortful action undertaken in a technical work space (including social), it does so with the same hopeful naivete that many (too many) engineers and programmers approach business with. These companies don't care about you. Your manager isn't your friend. You may do your best, approach your work honestly and in earnest, and devote yourself entirely to your company (without, as the author describes, making yourself unemployable by others) and when it comes down to it, more subtle social, psychological and power dynamics will end up making the difference, not what you've done for the company (nor even what you've done lately). Pair this with a book that prepares a young technology professional for the rigors of Machiavellian play and you might, MIGHT, have something useful for the vast majority of corporate cases. Otherwise this book is fantastic, which is why I gave it 5 stars.
I won't try to summarize or encapsulate my takeaways, as almost everything in this book is something I was already aware of from experience, nor would it be useful for me to do so. It's a very, very short read, so if you're interested, just read it.
Part of me wishes I had had this when I first started my current line of work. Part of me, however, is very glad that I did not. While this book is excellent at setting out ideal procedure, practice, habit, and even consieration along all of the dimensions of effortful action undertaken in a technical work space (including social), it does so with the same hopeful naivete that many (too many) engineers and programmers approach business with. These companies don't care about you. Your manager isn't your friend. You may do your best, approach your work honestly and in earnest, and devote yourself entirely to your company (without, as the author describes, making yourself unemployable by others) and when it comes down to it, more subtle social, psychological and power dynamics will end up making the difference, not what you've done for the company (nor even what you've done lately). Pair this with a book that prepares a young technology professional for the rigors of Machiavellian play and you might, MIGHT, have something useful for the vast majority of corporate cases. Otherwise this book is fantastic, which is why I gave it 5 stars.
I won't try to summarize or encapsulate my takeaways, as almost everything in this book is something I was already aware of from experience, nor would it be useful for me to do so. It's a very, very short read, so if you're interested, just read it.
July 21, 2019
I am a software developer, I really appreciated this book, and I wish I had been aware of it when I started my career (I am about 10+ years in now)
Dunno if I would have listened, but having stumbled around in the dark for a decade, I found its advice on employee and mentor temperament to be really valuable, and the latest editions cut out the stuff that I feel doesn't age well or account for some of the changes in what is considered professionalism in 2010s software development. I am very much appreciating its advice on how to be a senior/manager because that is probably something I'm going to have to start thinking about soon at this point in my career.
It's a quick read and a clear easy one to digest. It can't really help you if the people around you aren't producing a healthy and productive workplace environment (something like How F*cked is Your Management or The Phoenix Project or The Goal might be able to help there) but if you have a general feeling of comfort that you are in a generally supportive and reasonable environment with _some_ kind of structure, this book will help a lot. It will help a lot in structure-less places too, but the book goes for a slower place than necessarily appropriate for a startup where everyone is expected to show leadership and responsibilities are ill-defined. It would still be good information to have though, even if it has to be adapted to one's situation a bit.
Dunno if I would have listened, but having stumbled around in the dark for a decade, I found its advice on employee and mentor temperament to be really valuable, and the latest editions cut out the stuff that I feel doesn't age well or account for some of the changes in what is considered professionalism in 2010s software development. I am very much appreciating its advice on how to be a senior/manager because that is probably something I'm going to have to start thinking about soon at this point in my career.
It's a quick read and a clear easy one to digest. It can't really help you if the people around you aren't producing a healthy and productive workplace environment (something like How F*cked is Your Management or The Phoenix Project or The Goal might be able to help there) but if you have a general feeling of comfort that you are in a generally supportive and reasonable environment with _some_ kind of structure, this book will help a lot. It will help a lot in structure-less places too, but the book goes for a slower place than necessarily appropriate for a startup where everyone is expected to show leadership and responsibilities are ill-defined. It would still be good information to have though, even if it has to be adapted to one's situation a bit.
June 21, 2021
Bardzo fajna książka, która może służyć bardziej jako osobisty kodeks moralny w pracy inżyniera, niż jako jakikolwiek poradnik. Autorzy zebrali pewne niepisane zasady etyki pracy, które de facto mają sens. Wszystko na podstawie założenia, że inżynierowie częściej miewają problemy z kwestiami formalnymi i pracą zespołową, niż z kwestiami technicznymi.
Jeśli ktoś szuka wiedzy tajemnej, której nie znajdzie nigdzie indziej - nie znajdzie jej w tej książce. "Unwritten Laws of Engineering" to po prostu króciutka monografia, która zbiera w jednym miejscu i strukturyzuje kilkadziesiąt różnych spostrzeżeń związanych z karierą zawodową.
Warto się zapoznać nawet mimo faktu, że przypuszczalnie większość ludzi ma gdzieś z tyłu głowy większość przytoczonych tu spostrzeżeń. Fajnie mieć to przedstawione w tak przystępny sposób.
Warto przeczytać również:
1. Shane Parrish - "The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts"
2. Marek Aureliusz - "Rozmyślania"
3. David Allen - "Getting Things Done czyli sztuka bezstresowej efektywności"
Jeśli ktoś szuka wiedzy tajemnej, której nie znajdzie nigdzie indziej - nie znajdzie jej w tej książce. "Unwritten Laws of Engineering" to po prostu króciutka monografia, która zbiera w jednym miejscu i strukturyzuje kilkadziesiąt różnych spostrzeżeń związanych z karierą zawodową.
Warto się zapoznać nawet mimo faktu, że przypuszczalnie większość ludzi ma gdzieś z tyłu głowy większość przytoczonych tu spostrzeżeń. Fajnie mieć to przedstawione w tak przystępny sposób.
Warto przeczytać również:
1. Shane Parrish - "The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts"
2. Marek Aureliusz - "Rozmyślania"
3. David Allen - "Getting Things Done czyli sztuka bezstresowej efektywności"
July 1, 2021
I love this book, absolutely LOVE it! I plan to give it as a gift to engineers in my life, now and in the future. Even though it has a focus on engineering, I think there are super valuable insights for just about anyone. Here's a brief example:
From the section Laws of Character and Personality, law number 10 is "Give people the benefit of the doubt if you are inclined to suspect their motives, especially when you can afford to do so."
Also, I feel it's worth keeping in mind the original book was published in 1944! Yes, it has been revised, but my understand is that the core content is largely the same - because it hold up so well.
Another aspect worth highlighting is that it's short at only 69 pages. A great read to inject between other books, or to place on a coffee table, etc. You can literally open to any page and start reading.
The only thing I would change about this book is purely superficial. I wish the cover was more attractive. Some people do judge books by their cover despite the well known aphorism - I know I do!
From the section Laws of Character and Personality, law number 10 is "Give people the benefit of the doubt if you are inclined to suspect their motives, especially when you can afford to do so."
Also, I feel it's worth keeping in mind the original book was published in 1944! Yes, it has been revised, but my understand is that the core content is largely the same - because it hold up so well.
Another aspect worth highlighting is that it's short at only 69 pages. A great read to inject between other books, or to place on a coffee table, etc. You can literally open to any page and start reading.
The only thing I would change about this book is purely superficial. I wish the cover was more attractive. Some people do judge books by their cover despite the well known aphorism - I know I do!
November 29, 2016
This guide book is written for engineers and engineering managers. As it says in the title, it clearly gives itemized unwritten advises to the engineers and managers in non technical areas. Most of them are very practical and valuable suggestions that are useful throughout the career. Some of these suggestions are about meetings, some of them are about documentation and some of them are about human relationships and forming engineering organizations.
It is really a concise book and delivers what it promises very effectively. It can be used as a guide and be referred over time periodically to remember the important points of engineering and team work. I wish a book like this have been thought in a seminar or short class in all engineering colleges. This would fill the gap of technical engineering training and work environment successfully.
It is really a concise book and delivers what it promises very effectively. It can be used as a guide and be referred over time periodically to remember the important points of engineering and team work. I wish a book like this have been thought in a seminar or short class in all engineering colleges. This would fill the gap of technical engineering training and work environment successfully.
May 1, 2009
A short book that one can read over one's lunch hour--a bit dry for bedtime reading though, which is sometimes all I can make available.
Despite the conscious irony of this book's title, whose contents of course serve to negate it, it is written to the point and earnestly.
There is nothing here that most practicing professionals don't already "know", or claim to. The sad thing is just how many screw-ups and conflicts, in engineering and management alike, can be traced to failure to adhere to those very principles we claim to uphold.
Useful for evaluating yourself and your co-workers--including your manager--and may be of particular utility when it comes time to write performance reviews.
Despite the conscious irony of this book's title, whose contents of course serve to negate it, it is written to the point and earnestly.
There is nothing here that most practicing professionals don't already "know", or claim to. The sad thing is just how many screw-ups and conflicts, in engineering and management alike, can be traced to failure to adhere to those very principles we claim to uphold.
Useful for evaluating yourself and your co-workers--including your manager--and may be of particular utility when it comes time to write performance reviews.
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