Top 5 soft skills to work in it successfully and resources to develop them

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are behavioral reactions that help work more effectively together with other people. And apparently, most jobs in IT require human interaction. Unlike hard skills or expertise, some soft skills are partially innate, but they can also be developed or enhanced, although it often requires more time. Among the most important skills that are necessary to succeed in many spheres in general and in IT, in particular, are communication, teamwork, problem-solving, conflict resolution, negotiation, creativity, leadership, critical thinking, and flexibility. It’s hard to separate them as they are intertwined with each other in the personality fabric.

How are soft skills assessed? The assessment methods are based on behavioral indicators: what to do, how to do it, and what should not be done through the prism of company corporate culture and values. As each company is different in terms of priorities, there can’t be one universal approach. However, the lack of soft skills in team members may lead to irritation, conflicts, failure, and lost opportunities. If you feel you need to improve your interaction with colleagues, clients, partners, you can take a course, for instance, from Udemy, or/and work on your soft skills using the following approach — develop empathy, which, we believe, should be the core of any relationship, personal or business, and reflect on other people’s experiences — and apply those insights and tips that seems reasonable. Below you can find a brief overview of soft skills that are essential for IT jobs and some resources that might serve as food for thought and help you achieve your professional goals.

What is empathy, and why is it the mother of all soft skills?

Empathy is being able to feel the emotions of other people. It’s not identifying with another person; it’s about exceptional focus and sincere interest. A real empath can physically sense the interlocutor’s state while clearly understanding their separateness, otherness. It all starts with the awareness of the borders of your possibilities, your authority, your rights, and your influence. The only way to develop empathy and thus make a step forward in strengthening other people’s skills is to put yourself in another persons’ shoes, understand the motives of their actions, refuse from pressure and manipulation, and think win-win. Ethics, including work ethics, is caring about the benefit of other people. But first of all, you need to identify what is beneficial from their point of view. The obvious obstacle to empathy is egocentrism — constant focus on your own emotions and desires.

How to switch on empathy when contacting another person:

• Realize that the logic of their requests is focused on their own interests.
• Your benefit and their benefit may differ, and the win-win approach is the best interaction strategy.

Top 5 soft skills for the IT sphere

1. Communication

Communication as a skill consists of two cornerstones — presenting your ideas — being able to explain your point of view, diplomacy, etc., — and listening. According to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by a world-famous author and educator Stephen Covey, empathic listening and trying to understand another person’s perspective is even more important. Many people listen autobiographically — agree or disagree with what they hear, ask questions from their own frame of reference, give advice based on their experience, and interpret motives based on the personal system of values. The author explains how to gradually break this paradigm in his best-selling book.

The ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex technical information is paramount, not only when you’re brainstorming with fellow developers but also when you’re explaining intricate concepts to non-technical folks like project managers, clients, or end-users. Imagine trying to explain the intricacies of a new API integration to a client who barely knows what an API is! The skill lies in translating that technical jargon into user-friendly language, ensuring that everyone involved in the project shares a common understanding of the goals, challenges, and progress.

How to build a dialogue to understand somebody’s concerns? One way might be to not ask directly, use suggestions, and watch the reactions, both verbal and non-verbal, as a major part of human communication is done through body language.

Practical tips for explaining technical concepts

• Highlight the main benefits: Focus on what the technology will do for them, rather than getting bogged down in the technical details.
• Simplify the explanation: Use analogies and real-world examples to make complex ideas more relatable.
• Avoid jargon: Steer clear of technical terms that your audience might not understand.
• Know your audience: Tailor your communication style to their level of technical understanding.

Furthermore, effective communication is the bedrock of productive collaboration within development teams. Clear verbal and written communication, combined with active listening, ensures that team members can effectively share ideas, provide updates, and tackle challenges together.

Best practices for team communication

• Establish open communication channels: Encourage the use of tools and platforms that facilitate easy and transparent communication.
• Embrace asynchronous communication: Recognize that team members may work in different time zones or have varying work styles.
• Encourage challenging assumptions: Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable questioning ideas and offering alternative perspectives.
• Conduct regular retrospectives: Dedicate time to reflect on team communication and identify areas for improvement.
• Make meetings productive: Have clear agendas, stick to the topic, and ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
• Ask insightful questions: Encourage deeper discussion and understanding.
• Plan effectively: Use clear timelines and milestones to keep everyone on the same page.
• Conduct thorough and constructive code reviews: Provide feedback that is both helpful and respectful.
• Master various communication techniques: Practice active listening, clarity, conciseness, and adapting your style to your audience.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback: This is crucial for individual and team growth.
• Utilize appropriate communication channels: Choose the right medium (email, chat, meeting) for the message.
• Don’t underestimate the power of documentation: Well-written documentation supports both internal team understanding and external stakeholder knowledge.
• Pay attention to non-verbal cues: Your body language and tone of voice can significantly impact how your message is received.

The consequences of poor communication

The absence of clear and effective communication can have severe consequences for software development projects. Misunderstandings about project requirements can lead to delays, errors, and costly rework. Reduced productivity, increased expenses, and even project failure can be direct results of poor information flow. When developers struggle to understand requirements or collaborate efficiently due to communication breakdowns, the overall quality of the software suffers, and project timelines are jeopardized. The inability to clearly articulate progress, challenges, or concerns can erode trust among team members and stakeholders, highlighting the absolute necessity for developers to prioritize and cultivate strong communication skills.

Books:

Stephen Covey The 7 habits of Highly Effective People

Courses:

Communication Skills for Engineers Specialization from Coursera

TED talks:

Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better

Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation

Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree | TED Talk

2. Teamwork and collaboration

As software projects become increasingly complex, the ability to work effectively with others, often across different specializations and even geographical locations, becomes more vital than ever. Successful software engineering projects, particularly those following agile principles, rely heavily on seamless communication between cross-functional teams, ensuring that individual tasks align with overarching project goals. The agile approach, with its emphasis on iterative development and shared responsibility, demands a high degree of collaboration to facilitate rapid problem-solving and collective ownership of the product.

Contributing to a collaborative environment

How developers can contribute to a collaborative environment:

• Actively participate in team meetings and discussions: Ensure your voice is heard and different perspectives are considered.
• Share ideas and insights openly: Be willing to contribute your thoughts and be receptive to the contributions of others.
• Provide constructive feedback: Help your teammates learn and grow, and be open to receiving feedback yourself.
• Utilize collaboration tools effectively: Whether it’s for project management, communication, or version control, make sure you’re using these tools to streamline workflows and keep everyone informed.
• Support and mentor junior team members: This not only aids their development but also strengthens overall team cohesion and the collective knowledge base.
• Take ownership and accountability: Foster a sense of shared responsibility and ensure the team functions as a cohesive unit working towards common objectives.

Challenges to effective collaboration

Despite the widely recognized importance of teamwork, several challenges can hinder effective collaboration within software development teams. Communication silos, where information isn’t shared openly across different parts of the team, can create friction and slow down the development process. In larger teams, miscommunication can become more frequent due to the increased number of communication channels and the potential for misunderstandings. A lack of commitment or a breakdown in teamwork can also impede progress, especially in agile environments that rely on the active engagement of all team members. Conflicting ideas and opinions, while sometimes leading to innovation, can also become obstacles if not managed effectively through open and respectful communication. Complex team structures with multiple layers of hierarchy can also hinder the free flow of information and decision-making. Recognizing and proactively addressing these potential challenges is crucial for fostering a truly collaborative and high-performing software development team.

What does it mean to be a team player? It’s the ability to be open to other people’s opinions and provide your own constructive feedback, compromise; the understanding that other people rely on you and their result depends on you, as well as yours depends on them.

Courses:

Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups from Coursera

TED talks:

Amy Edmondson: How to turn a group of strangers into a team

Patrick Lencioni: Are you an ideal team player? | TED Talk

Jim Tamm: First step to collaboration? Don’t be so defensive!

3. Problem-solving

Problems are a natural part of any working process, and it’s your reaction that defines how effectively you can handle them. Controlling stress, being proactive, getting off the beaten track, being able to find non-standard solutions are extremely valuable skills in the modern world. Educating yourself, constantly extending your area of expertise, also helps to find a fresh perspective.

The essence of software development

Effective software developers possess the ability to diagnose complex issues, think analytically about potential solutions, and implement innovative approaches to overcome challenges. Software development, in its essence, is about tackling both routine and intricate problems, building trust in a developer’s capabilities and setting them apart from their peers. This involves not only addressing technical errors but also deeply understanding the underlying needs of users and devising creative solutions that meet those needs effectively.

Understanding user needs

A crucial aspect of problem-solving in software development involves understanding the perspectives and requirements of end-users. Developers need to cultivate empathy, putting themselves in the shoes of those who will ultimately interact with the software, to anticipate their needs and design user-friendly and accessible applications. This often requires thinking creatively and “outside the box” to develop solutions that are not only functional but also intuitive and engaging. The ability to come up with novel approaches and innovative features is what can elevate an application from being merely adequate to becoming a widely successful product.

The role of analysis and critical thinking

Underpinning effective problem-solving are strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Developers must be able to investigate the root causes of problems through systematic evaluation, challenging assumptions to uncover the most optimal solutions. Critical thinking involves analyzing information from various angles, questioning existing approaches, and pursuing any doubts or uncertainties to arrive at well-reasoned conclusions. This rigorous analytical process, combined with curiosity and perseverance, fosters technical creativity and enables developers to tackle complex challenges with confidence and effectiveness.

Courses:

Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making from Coursera

TED talks:

Susan David: The gift and power of emotional courage | TED Talk

4. Creativity and flexibility

Creativity powers innovation, and innovation is what often wins in business competition. Nurturing your natural curiosity and overcoming the fear of failure are two steps towards higher creativity. Restraining your self- criticism, finding new sources of inspiration, and writing down all ideas, even the craziest ones, might also help you in this way.

Keeping up with technological advancements

New programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies emerge constantly, making adaptability and flexibility essential soft skills for software developers who wish to remain relevant and effective. Project requirements can shift rapidly due to evolving client needs or the emergence of new technological possibilities.

Embracing change

Developers who possess flexibility can embrace these changes without undue stress, adjusting their approach and readily learning new skills as needed. This mental agility allows them to remain prepared for any unexpected challenges or shifts in direction. The rapid advancement of technologies like Artificial Intelligence further underscores the importance of adaptability. Developers must be willing to embrace new tools and methodologies, continuously updating their skillsets to leverage these advancements effectively. Cultivating a growth mindset, which encourages a continuous pursuit of learning and mastery, is intrinsically linked to adaptability and allows individuals to stay current with the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Handling shifting priorities

The ability to handle shifting requirements and priorities is a direct manifestation of adaptability in software development. Projects rarely proceed in a perfectly linear fashion, and developers must be comfortable with ambiguity and the need to adjust their plans and timelines as new information emerges. This requires not only technical flexibility but also strong communication skills to effectively manage expectations and collaborate with the team on necessary adjustments.

Courses:

Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from Coursera

TED talks:

Tim Hardford: A powerful way to unleash your natural creativity

Rahaf Harfoush: How burnout makes us less creative | TED Talk

5. Leadership

Although leadership is the complex of skills that are not required for every position, it is essential for career growth and gives you a great competitive advantage even if you are not interested in moving up the career ladder. It’s the ability to inspire, see people’s talents and potential, take responsibility, resolve conflicts. While natural charisma is an indispensable trait for any good leader, many of the above-mentioned skills can be enhanced through focused effort.

Developing and enhancing soft skills is an ongoing journey that requires conscious effort and a commitment to self-improvement. Thankfully, there are numerous strategies that software developers can employ to strengthen these essential attributes.

Practical ways to enhance your soft skills

• Seek opportunities for communication and collaboration: Actively participate in pair programming, team meetings, and informal discussions.
• Practice active listening and cultivate empathy: Focus on understanding others’ perspectives in all interactions.
• Solicit feedback: Ask peers, mentors, and managers for honest feedback on your communication and interpersonal skills.
• Participate in relevant courses and workshops: Look for opportunities to improve your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Engage in team-building activities: Strengthen connections with your colleagues through social events and team exercises.
• Mentor junior team members: This will enhance your own leadership and communication abilities.
• Improve written communication: Practice clarity, conciseness, and grammar in code comments, documentation, and emails.
• Develop presentation skills: Practice conveying technical information to various audiences.
• Cultivate a growth mindset: Focus on continuous learning and embrace new challenges.
• Engage in regular self-reflection: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in terms of soft skills and focus your development efforts accordingly.
• Step outside your comfort zone: Interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to broaden your perspectives and enhance communication abilities.

Courses:

High Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation from Coursera

Managing the Company of the Future from Coursera

TED talks:

Simon Sinek: Why good leaders make you feel safe | TED Talk

The future is bright: embrace your soft skills

In conclusion, the core soft skills we’ve discussed – communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking, time management and organization, empathy and active listening, adaptability and flexibility, and emotional intelligence – are not just supplementary talents; they are fundamental competencies for achieving success in the dynamic world of contemporary software development. These skills are pivotal in fueling individual career growth, fostering high-performing teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of impactful software projects.

The indispensable nature of soft skills

The ability to articulate complex technical concepts with clarity, work effectively within collaborative environments, solve intricate problems with creativity, manage time and resources with efficiency, understand and respond to the needs of others with empathy, adapt to a constantly evolving technological landscape with agility, and navigate interpersonal dynamics with emotional intelligence are all critical ingredients for thriving in today’s software development industry. As technology continues its relentless advance and work environments become increasingly collaborative, the holistic value of soft skills will only continue to grow, firmly establishing their position as indispensable for every modern software developer. So, embrace these skills, cultivate them diligently, and watch your code and your career reach new heights!