[Sigia-l] Defusing Techies?

[Scott Berkun]

I'd recommend two books:

1) The psychology of computer programming: It's an ancient book, but
it's the only book I know of focused on understanding how developers
think, the kinds of personalities drawn to development work, and how to
manage them effectively. It's not an academic book, but it's not as fun
as some of Weinberg's other books on consulting. For your audience, some
chapters are definitely worth skipping, But some might be exactly what
you need. Amazon lets you look at the TOC before you buy...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0932633420/qid=1034118108/
sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_2/103-1638527-5928601?v=glance&n=507846

2) Getting to Yes: I think if you're a good communicator and negotiator,
the specifics of working with developers aren't that much harder than
working with lawyers, marketers, testers, whatever. This is the first
book I recommend to people who want more influence, or want better
models for how to deal with conflict situations in collaborative
environments.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/103-1638527-5928601

-Scott

Scott Berkun
Design & Usability Training Manager
Microsoft Corporation


-----Original Message-----
From: Summerville, Marion R [mailto:Marion.Summerville at qwest.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2002 11:11 AM
To: sigia-l at asis.org
Subject: [Sigia-l] Defusing Techies?


Hi all - 

I'm teaching an intro to IA class at an art school, and one of my
students asked me for resources on how to negotiate / communicate with
techies (his words). Apparently as a small independent he's finding that
"the techies" are acting as a "firewall between the company and the
consumer."

I gave the class my top-o-the-head thoughts.. but then got to thinking,
and wondering what some of YOU all might say.  All comments welcome, on-
and off-list

_________________________________________
Marion Summerville
Senior Experience Architect - Qwest Solutions
marion.summerville at qwest.com professional dilettante ~ usability ronin
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