Alistair Cockburn has described software development as a game in which we choose among three moves: invent, decide, and communicate. Most of our time at No Fluff is spent learning how to be better at inventing. Beyond that, we understand the importance of good communication, and take steps to improve in that capacity. Rarely, however, do we acknowledge the role of decision making in the life of software teams, what can cause it to go wrong, and how to improve it.

If only it were so easy! Leadership is a thing into which many find themselves thrown, and to which many others aspire—and it is a thing which every human system needs to thrive. Leading teams in technology organizations is not radically different from any other kind of organization, but does tend to present a common set of patterns and challenges. In this session, I’ll examine them, and provide a template for your own growth as a leader.