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There’s a classic book called The Goal[1] which is an outstanding example of teaching using the Socratic method. The basic lessons of the book can also change t
by unoti 9y ago
There’s a classic book called The Goal[1] which is an outstanding example of teaching using the Socratic method. The basic lessons of the book can also change the way you think about business in general and software engineering in particular, as a bonus. One important concept for example is to liken unreleased software to a big pile of inventory in a warehouse: the inventory doesn’t do the company any good until it is paid for by a customer. Similarly, software doesn’t do any good until it is providing value in production.
Although it is a business book, The entire book is written as a novel. The author talks in the intro about how showing the Socratic method in practice is one of his key goals.
It’s also excellent on Audible. The follow-up book, The Critical Chain, is about project management and is also life-changing with its awesome concepts.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0884270610 https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0...
- nikofeyn 9y agoi just learned about the goal a few days ago. there's also a graphic novel version of the book: the goal: a business graphic novel https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Business-Graphic-Novel/dp/0884272079 https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Business-Graphic-Novel/dp/088427...
- BraveNewCurency 9y agoThere is also an IT version called The Phoenix Project. Same story, but in a computer biz.
- gnat 9y agoThe Goal also inspired my favourite tech business book, The Phoenix Project[1]. As in The Goal, the protagonist has a mentor who asks pointed questions that are the slow-burning fuse which later unlock understanding. Easy to read, wise, and useful at work. I've caused at least ten people around me to read it, and they've all been grateful. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business-ebook/dp/B00AZRBLHO https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Busine...