Basecamp books: Getting Real, Rework and Remote

 Date: April 28, 2015
Getting Real: The Smarter, Faster, Easier Way to Build a Successful Web Application Rework (David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried) Remote: Office Not Required (David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried)

Recently I read 3 books written by founders of Basecamp (formerly 37 Signals): David Heinemeier Hansson (creator of Ruby on Rails framework) and Jason Fried:

Getting Real was written almost 10 years ago, and it talks about the same things as most recent Remote. So you can skip it. However Rework, and Remote are definitely worth to read. They present the new(?) approach for work, and productivity.

Rework focuses on pragmatic ways to improve your (and your company) productivity.

Remote presents how remote working can be applied in your company. All Basecamp employees are remote workers. My key takeaways:

  • working remotely helps to better manage interruptions (nobody is going to step by with "quick question")
  • you can manage your hours more flexibly: workout in the middle of the day? no problem
  • you live pretty much everywhere, and save up a lot of time on daily commute

Of course authors present ideas that works for them, and may not necessary work for you. However, I am sure you will appreciate more than one of their advises.

This is one of my favorites quotes from Remote:

remote - quote

As a teaser you can watch Jason Fried's Ted talk: Why work doesn't happen at work. I also recommend David's talk: Unlearn Your MBA (from Stanford University).

Both Rework, and Remote goes to my favorite books list.

 Tags:  books career

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