Overview
In Signals & Levers, Elisabeth Hendrickson—former VP R&D at Pivotal and author of the enduring Explore It!—and Joel Tosi—who has spent 25+ years delivering software and a decade helping teams stop “change theater”—teach you to see through the illusions that plague every software organization. Using tools from statistical process control, systems thinking, and economic theory, they show you how to identify real problems and find the levers that create lasting change.
Each chapter delivers practical techniques. Learn to spot critical illusions that derail delivery, build causal diagrams that reveal system dynamics, and uncover hidden connections that make obvious solutions backfire. See how to separate signal from noise, frame problems as testable hypotheses, visualize trade-offs as continuums, build cultures that learn instead of repeating mistakes, and ultimately choose the right path forward given your context. Plus, “Better in 30 Minutes” exercises let you practice immediately.
Along the way, you’ll meet Theresa, an engineering director. She learned that her teams are late delivering the next release. Again. Frustrated, she digs into the data only to discover that she’s been suffering from illusions that readers will find all too familiar. You’ll follow Theresa's journey as she learns to read signals and find the right levers to fix systemic issues.
Whether you're a developer tired of death marches, a CTO struggling with predictability, or a PM wondering why everything takes longer than planned, this book provides the systems thinking skills that transform software organizations.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Signals & Levers (Systems Thinking Tools to Unblock Software Delivery), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Signals & Levers (Systems Thinking Tools to Unblock Software Delivery).