Lead with your heart, and build connections before code.
The successful technology workers of the future will not be the 10x developers, or the analyst with the most certifications - it will be those who can build meaningful relationships with their clients and colleagues. Geeks with Empathy builds a foundation for reflection, and establishes empathy as a critical factor for any practitioner.
With practical insights, real-world examples, and tips that can be used today, this transformative guide will help you discover the keys to building a culture of empathy, transforming workplaces into thriving hubs of innovation and collaboration.
Perfect for executives, managers, team leads, and others tasked leading a successful technology practice, Geeks with Empathy is also an indispensable resource for individual practitioners who want to advance professionally and gain a deeper personal satisfaction from their work.
In this book, you'll
Why technology workers struggle with building meaningful connections, and how the evolution of our profession contributed to this challenge.The personal and professional benefits of being empathetic, including greater health and personal satisfaction.Immediately applicable advice for how to reorient our thinking to realize the benefits of a people-first approach to technology work.How leaders can embed empathy in their teams to build credibility and advance challenging projects.Strategies for working with stakeholders based on their generational cohort, profession, and techno-emotional posture.How the traditional approach favoring technology above people has created opportunities for geeks to rapidly advance in their careers. Advanced Praise "In a world dominated by the never-ending race to the top for the best algorithms and technology comes a unique book aimed squarely at technology leaders looking to bridge the gap between machines and people. A compelling narrative on the important role empathy and communication play in driving success in the digital era. It's not about silicon and carbon. Adamson reminds us in the end that it’s all about carbon-based life forms. A must read." Jack Phillips, CEO of the International Institute for Analytics
“Geeks with Empathy is a must-read for anyone in the technology sector. It's an enlightening and thought-provoking work that not only highlights the shortcomings of the current paradigm but also provides a roadmap for cultivating a more empathetic and effective approach to technology and business. Jeremy Adamson's book is a significant contribution to the conversation on the human aspects of technology and is likely to inspire meaningful change in how technology workers relate to their work, their peers, and their stakeholders.” Achille Ettorre, Analytics Strategy Executive
"Success in AI & analytics initiatives is fundamentally more about people than technology or algorithms. This book is a compelling guide for tech leaders seeking to elevate their teams through empathetic communication and understanding." Dave Keirstead, Data & Analytics Executive
“This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed in the tech and data science field. It shows how empathy is not only a human virtue, but also a business advantage. It offers practical insights and strategies on how to cultivate empathy in yourself and others, and how to apply it to your work.
I recently delved into Geeks with Empathy by Jeremy Adamson and was impressed by its perspective on the role of technology professionals within contemporary organizations. I have a deep respect for the author and found that our intellectual journeys have crossed similar terrains over the last decade. Adamson's unique contribution is his ability to interlace these varied themes into a cohesive narrative that explores how primarily introverted 'geeks' interact with a range of personalities in today’s workplace. The book masterfully combines self-help, organizational change management, stakeholder engagement, and incisive human nature commentary, viewed through the prisms of behavioral economics and literary references.
The narrative addresses the prevalent challenges faced by tech workers—from fresh graduates to seasoned experts—as they navigate their paths and ascend to leadership roles in environments that frequently misinterpret their needs and abilities. It underscores the critical roles of empathy, collaboration, and innovation in their professional growth.
In summary, Geeks with Empathy is a compelling read filled with valuable insights and actionable advice for both individuals and organizations at the nexus of technology and organizational culture. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone intrigued by the fusion of technology with aspects of 14th-century philosophy, vibrant generational pop culture, and economic theory. An essential read for those who resonate with GenX sensibilities and beyond. 😁
Jeremey begins with a vulnerable lesson from his career that many of us have learned the hard way. When stakeholders are lost, it’s often because, as data professionals, we connect more with our work than their needs. To get the numbers must be analytically focused. We must shift gears and empathize with our stakeholders’ experience to get the impact.
Jeremy shares studies and anecdotes throughout to help make the case for how technology workers must demonstrate empathy to inspire meaningful change. Jeremy has a 5-5-5 model for success. Change starts from within, and we learn five tips for empathy that can easily be woven into a personal or team development practice. Next, we take a macro view of generational differences, learning effective collaboration techniques. He concludes with five common-sense tactics for executives and leaders to model their aspirations into effective sponsorship.
Jeremy provides a view of empathy from all sides, increasing our capacity for more effective connection and effectiveness.