Managing Programmers : October 2nd, 2021 at Silicon Valley Code Campfire

Mickey Mantle

Wanderful, Inc.
About Mickey
Mickey has been developing software systems and products for over 40 years, as a systems programmer, Tech Lead, Manager, VP Engineering, CTO, COO, and now CEO/CTO of his own company. During this time he has contributed to several notable companies, including computer graphics pioneer Evans & Sutherland (E&S), Pixar, Broderbund Software, and Gracenote – always in a technical leadership role. He continues developing software at Wanderful (see wanderfulstorybooks.com), developing and publishing Apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Working with co-author Ron Lichty, they wrote the book “Managing the Unmanageable: Rules, Tools, and Insights for Managing Software People and Teams”. Published by Addison Wesley, this book distills their experience of over 70 combined years developing software and managing programmers and has received many accolades including being favorably compared to The Mythical Man Month and Peopleware (see managingtheunmanageable.net).
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Speaking Sessions

  • Managing Software Development in the Remote Age

    Managing programmers has always been hard!  But guess what, it is now even harder trying to manage a team that is mostly or totally remote.  And this isn’t just for companies that have been hiring remote and offshore developers for years and gained competitive advantage by 24x7 development and/or lower development costs.  Now literally all companies and managers must deal with this issue, without any of the benefits that might have made it worthwhile. 


    Many of the “tried and true” management techniques (e.g., management by wandering around) are now totally useless.  Additionally, the lack of personal contact diminishes the effectiveness of those tools you will continue to use. 


    Software Development Managers must adapt to this new reality and learn new tools and techniques that are effective when managing remotely. 


    What should you stop trying to do with your remote team?  What should you be doing now to effectively manage remotely?  What tools and techniques can you adapt or embrace to make you a more effective manager?