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BOOK REVIEW The Deadline : A Novel About Project Management by Tom Demarco Paperback (July 1997), Dorset House, ISBN: 0932633390 "'What's the hardest job in management?' 'People,' Tompkins replied automatically. He knew exactly where he stood on this subject. 'Getting the right people for the right job. That's what makes the difference between a good manager and a drone.'" Reviewd by Kathy E. Gill keg@dotparagon.com, http://www.dotparagon.com/ @ the reviewer Kathy E. Gill is the owner of dotPARAGON, a Web Design and a Communications Consulting firm. From the first chapter, it's clear nothing is sacred here. Demarco begins with not-so-gentle barbs at corporate downsizing ("Our Company Is Thinning Down So the Rest of the World Can Fatten Up" and "ReSOE and Proud of It!"), moves on dismiss scientific management tools (such as PERT charts) and concludes with a victory for the "soft skills" of management. With a light touch, Demarco sets the stage: redundant project manager (Mr. Tompkins) from "Big Telephone and Telecommunications Company" is whisked away to a former communist country to spearhead an ambitious plan: make Morovia first in the world in the export of shrink-wrapped software by the year 2000. Sprinkled generously with humor, the book chronicles Mr. Tompkins relationships with several business archetypes, from the CEO as despot (Mr. Bill, a very rich US businessman) to the finance/schedule manager as pressure-monger (Belok). For good or bad, the author's example for a manager who knows how to trust intuition (Belinda) perpetuates a female stereotype. Short chapters, quick read, lots of laughter, lessons without the cynicism of Dilbert or UserFriendly, summary points for review. Much to recommend it, for the principles apply to any management, not just that of software development. In fact, there is nothing really new here, at least for anyone who has studied the "soft stuff." (Which, as Demarco makes clear, is the "hard stuff.") In many ways, this book is a companion to The Mythical Man-Month. For example, Mr. Tompkins tests the "throw people at a project to meet an accelerated schedule" theory (any guesses as to the outcome?). And like TMMM, The Deadline, while positioned as a technology book, contains lessons for all managers. Both preach the importance of planning. The Deadline, however, focuses almost exclusively on interpersonal issues: "'What's the hardest job in management?' 'People,' Tompkins replied automatically. He knew exactly where he stood on this subject. 'Getting the right people for the right job. That's what makes the difference between a good manager and a drone.'" What is new is Demarco's use of humor and storytelling to evangelize the concepts (and rewards) of good management. When can you remember laughing out loud while reading a management book? For that alone, the book is a worthwhile addition to any manager's library. © Internet Technical Group Last update: December 5, 1998 URL: http://www.sandia.gov/itg/newsletter/dec98/???.html hosted by Sandia National Labs Disclaimer: Neither Sandia Corporation, the United States Government, nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately-owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Sandia Corporation, the United States Government, or any agency thereof. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Sandia Corporation, the United States Government or any agency thereof.