Next week, me a long time friend and colleague are speaking at a local college specifically to a group of the next generation of software engineers/developers. We have both been in the game awhile and have seen the movement in the industry. But we aren’t speaking on the next innovation of A.I., or where we are going as a national or global economy based on the latest job numbers. We are going to be speaking about (and launching something soon) around the most difficult aspect of being a software engineer or developer – People Skills.
As a software developer, you’re likely no stranger to the concept of “code.” You spend most of your days writing lines of code, debugging issues, and pushing out new features. But what happens when you need to collaborate with colleagues, communicate with clients, or even deal with difficult team members? That’s where people skills come in.
In today’s world, having strong people skills is no longer a nicety – it’s a necessity. Let me say that again. This is no longer about “being nice” or “getting along,” it’s about survival and success. As the old adage goes: “You can’t build a great product without building a great team.” And that’s exactly what I’m here to talk about.
Note: going forward I’m going to use the term software engineer, but please note this applies to engineers, full stack devs, front end devs, integration, architects etc.
Why People Skills Matter for Software Engineers
So, why are people skills so important for software engineers? Here are just a few reasons:
- Collaboration is Key: As a software engineer, you’re not an island. You work with others, and that means you need to be able to communicate effectively, build trust, and resolve conflicts. Without strong people skills, collaboration can quickly turn into chaos.
- Client Relationships Matter: When working on projects for clients, it’s essential to have good communication skills. This includes being able to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms, setting realistic expectations, and delivering results that meet or exceed client expectations.
- Team Dynamics are Crucial: As a software engineer, you’re part of a team. And just like any team, there will be ups and downs. Strong people skills help you navigate these dynamics, build strong relationships with colleagues, and create a positive work environment.
- Emotional Intelligence is Essential: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to your ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others. As a software engineer, EI helps you stay calm under pressure, empathize with team members, and make informed decisions that benefit the team.
Developing People Skills as a Software Engineer
So, how do you develop people skills as a software engineer? Here are some tips:
- Practice Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying, ask questions, and clarify any doubts.
- Be Open-Minded: Be willing to learn from others, consider different perspectives, and adapt to new ideas.
- Develop Your Communication Skills: Practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms, and be clear about your expectations and goals.
- Join a Community or Group: Connect with other software engineers through online forums, meetups, or conferences. This will help you build relationships, learn from others, and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Conclusion
Here is the point, you can be a good software engineer and still put your cans on and sit in your office or cube, or you can be successful and interact, engage, become self-leading, and really knock it out of the park.
Joshua Thinks 