From Individual Contributor to Leadership: My Must-Read Book Recommendations for Aspiring Engineering Leaders
Transitioning from a purely individual contributor role to a managerial or leadership position can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The skills that made you a great engineer — technical expertise, problem-solving, and deep focus — aren’t always the same skills required to lead a team.
I’ve found that reading the right books can make a huge difference — not just in practical strategies but in the mindset shifts necessary to succeed in leadership.
To help you navigate this transition, I’ve curated a list of must-read books across five key areas:
- Leadership
- Leading Software Engineering Teams
- Mastering Software Engineering Craftsmanship
- Understanding Product Management
- Personal Growth & Inspiration
Each category tackles a different aspect of leadership, from building high-performing teams to maintaining technical excellence.
Where to Start?
If you’re just beginning your leadership journey, I recommend starting with The Manager’s Path or The Making of a Manager — both provide a great foundation for new managers.
For those transitioning into technical leadership, An Elegant Puzzle is a must-read.
If you’re looking for books on team culture and motivation, The Culture Code and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team are excellent starting points.
Read the full blog post here:
https://minikin.me/blog/-from-individual-contributor-to-leadership
