Consultants and managers from diverse fields present perspectives on lessons
learned from Gerald
M. Weinberg. A celebration of Jerry Weinberg's still-flourishing career, The
Gift of Time is at once a tribute to a remarkable and influential software
and systems pioneer, an introduction to his work, and a collection of lively and
informative essays. Seventeen contributors focus on practical strategies and techniques
applied and extended in their own work.
Readers, students, clients, colleagues,
and friends of Jerry Weinberg, the contributors to The Gift of Time are
notable authors and teachers in their own right. Reflections by Fiona Charles,
Robert L. Glass, James
Bach, Michael Bolton, Jean McLendon, Sherry Heinze, Sue Petersen, Esther Derby,
Willem van den Ende, Judah Mogilensky, Naomi
Karten,James Bullock,Tim Lister,Johanna
Rothman, Jonathan Kohl, Dani
Weinberg, and Bent Adsersen explore topics including: the role of systems
thinking as a foundational software testing skill * understanding the relationships
inherent in software quality and other complex problems * building personal tools
to confront the struggles of everyday life and work * improving working relationships,
and work itself, through congruent feedback * applying models to solve problems
in group dynamics * observing behavior as an indicator of progress in process
improvement * developing critical organizational skills through experiential learning
* solving problems by examining underlying system dynamics * and more.
A
compendium of valuable advice, the book addresses core issues on the human side
of software projects.
About Jerry Weinberg
Internationally respected for his innovative thinking on both human and technical
issues, Gerald
M. Weinberg is a highly influential author, lecturer, and consultant, drawing
on experiences gained in all three roles, as well as from a long technical career
as a software developer and researcher. Weinberg has written on topics ranging
from computer systems and programming to education, problem solving, and writing.
He is the author of The Psychology
of Computer Programming, The
Secrets of Consulting, Weinberg
on Writing, and dozens of other highly regarded books and articles. His blend
of wit, storytelling, and jawdropping insight has won him fans around the world.
Reviews
"I found myself
jotting down words and phrases as I was reading each of the essays. As a life-long
learner and a dabbler in the areas of systems thinking and organizational behaviour,
I found so many tidbits of information from so many perspectives, that my thoughts
started running rampant. I wanted to start researching and reading more, and not
only about systems thinking. . . "
-- Janet Gregory,
co-author of Agile Testing: Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams
".
. . will give you [a] deep appreciation for the value of people and analytical
skills, for it is smart people who design efficient major systems and they do
so by interacting and having skills that complement each other. Wienberg's developmental
approach of 'rational irrationality' is one of considering all options -- even
those that seem silly, unlikely or even absurd -- and his approach is a proven
success."
-- Charles Ashbacher,Journal of
Object Technology
". . . I'm far from the only person to
be influenced by Jerry Weinberg, who's written books and articles on topics that
range from computer systems and programming to education, problem solving, and
writing. And, in a move that's remarkable for our 'what have you innovated for
me lately' industry, Dorset House recently published The Gift of Time:
essays in honor of Gerald M. Weinberg on his 75th birthday.
".
. . This is fun, thoughtful reading. . . Depending on your background, your current
itch at work, or your temperament, you might be more engaged by different essays.
. . This is a book worth reading, even if you've never heard of Jerry Weinberg."
"I first met Jerry Weinberg in 1967 and have read much of
his writings and participated in his SHAPE forum. For me, reading these articles
was like continuing the conversation.
"The Gift of Time
is a book to be read slowly, an article or two now and others later. The thinking
is often deep, always stimulating. Even as an 'insider,' I gained new insights
from many of the articles. Read this book -- not once, but several times over
the next few years. Your attention will be rewarded."
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