Seeing systems
by Barry Oshry · first published 1995
7mentions
3recommended by
3HN commenters
2013–2022first – last mentioned
100% recommend
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…they will blame you. they might fire you (good for you, then) or they will change their dance. there is no alternative, everything else will just go downhill. recommended reading: http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Systems-Unlocking-Mysteries-Org... buy it, read it, understand what is currently happening and what your role in it is.
on “ We may get fired and I don't know what to do” ↗…know-how on how to identify and manage systems (i.e.: your growing company) then the only thing between you and success is reality, for how to influence the company reality you live in please read 3rd "Seeing Systems" http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Systems-Unlocking-Mysteries-Org... good luck and have fun (with the books, with your new responsibilities)
on “Ask HN: Dev promoted to more strategic role in startup. What literature?” ↗book recommendation: "Seeing Systems: Unlocking the Mysteries of Organizational Life" Barry Oshry http://books.google.at/books/about/Seeing_Systems.html?id=wt... and read read the sections "pinball" & "manager of the heart" now http://books.google.at/books?id=wtK9aFmM9zgC&pg=PA3&source=g...
on “Amazon Home Services” ↗a) >Everyone here seems dumb and working on a few useless things. Read: Barry Oshry - Seeing Systems https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1241559.Seeing_Systems b) >I was hired for a position that has no decision making power at all. Power isn't given, power is taken. Trust is earned. Leadership = Power…
on “Ask HN: How do you deal with loss of motivation?” ↗You might find this book interesting: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Systems-Unlocking-Mysteries-Or.... It's a great view into the differing perspectives of executives, middle managers, and ICs.
on “People leave managers, not companies” ↗The best book for this question is: "Seeing Systems" https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Systems-Unlocking-Mysteries-Or... It give insights a) on why this happens and b) what scope for action you have (a lot). ad b) i recommend two sided strategy> continue…
on “Ask HN: Incompetent people are promoted how to deal with it” ↗…has investigated and detailed organizational behavior and developed simplified models that can provide insight and guidance for daily practice and planning. He has multiple books available, I recommend "Seeing Systems". Here's a video recording of a talk covering some of the content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYpO-pK7IFA
on “Ask HN: How to Learn Software Architecture?” ↗