What does it really take to lead a team? Most new leaders are promoted for their technical skills, then left to figure out the rest on their own. No training, no playbook, no real preparation. Just a new title and a team waiting for direction. Back to Basics is the book Mateo Bervejillo wishes someone had handed him on day one. Drawing from over fifteen years of leading teams across global technology and outsourcing organizations, Mateo distills the lessons that actually matter into 32 short, actionable chapters organized around four dimensions of leadership: managing up, managing yourself, managing teams, and managing sideways. Each chapter confronts a common expectation with the reality of how things actually work, and closes with one concrete thing you can do to get better. No theory, no fluff, just practical guidance born from real experience. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or looking to sharpen your fundamentals, this book will help you bridge the gap between expectations and preparation.