3 Books that every Digital Project Manager should read to up their game
Part of my PM Power-Up series where I share all the books I have used to consistently grow my knowledge and experience.
PM power-ups
One of the things I love about working in digital, marketing and technology is the myriad of topics you can learn, to up your project management game.
My plan over the next few weeks is to share books that could help you to do just that. Giving you an edge over some of your colleagues that might be a little less open-minded.
I want to start with 3 books about project management that I think you will find super-useful.
They're well worth your time.
Book #1: Project Management for Humans by Brett Harned
I first read this book about a year ago and, I'm wondering why I hadn't heard of it sooner.
Project Management books can feel pretty unengaging and broad. Although this covers some of the more general topics like estimating, creating project plans and managing resources, it does so in a way that really shows empathy for PM's and our craft.
Book #2: Interactive Project Management by Nancy Lyons and Meghan Wilker
This book was recommended to me by one of my old line managers.
It's purely about managing digital projects and, more specifically, websites. It has some nice information about the different types of roles and job titles you'll find in an agency and, it also features a typical website project workflow. Granted, it was published in 2012 but, it still holds strong today and, it's full of great tips throughout.
Book #3: Essential SCRUM by Kenneth S. Rubin
Now I couldn't finish without throwing in a super-useful book about Agile (SCRUM). This thing is a door stop but, it covers everything you need to know about SCRUM and in a lot of detail.
If you want the ultimate bedtime reading on Agile, then this is it. Right from SCRUM and it's origins, Principles, Roles, Sprints, User Stories, Product Backlog, Estimation and Velocity, SCRUM ceremonies. There's even a chapter on Technical Debt - ask your developers about that!
Keep an eye out for more
It's essential when working as a digital project manager that you learn the basics. But you also need to keep learning and staying on top of all the different parts that make up digital projects.
So over the next few weeks and months I'm going to be sharing even more books that I think you will find invaluable in your role.
As always, please reach out and let me know if you have any thoughts or further questions.