If you plan to pursue management and leadership roles, you’ll need to master a set of abilities that are as essential as the hard skills and experience you already have.
If you’re working in tech, you already understand the importance of mastering serious technical skills in your chosen area of expertise. You’ve studied different software programs, hardware, and other related competencies. You’ve gained certifications, sought out entry-level opportunities you could master, and kept up-to-date on what’s new in your field. But if you plan to pursue management and leadership roles, you’ll need to master a set of abilities that are as essential as the hard skills and experience you already have.
Yes, we’re talking today about “soft skills”—an underrated yet fundamental element in assuring yourself long-term vitality in tech leadership. If your career goal is to enter or rise to greater heights in management, or even just to build longevity in your current role, this article will help equip you for that success.
How “hard skill” roles in tech benefit from “soft skill” mastery
First things first—what are soft skills? The term appears in job listings all the time. But what do tech companies really mean when they look for soft skills? And how do they apply specifically to a field which is so focused on coding, programming, analytics, and data?
Simply put, think of soft skills are the range of abilities that allow you to connect with others, engage well with coworkers, and generally behave in ways that make interpersonal relationships easier. They are a mix of tools and actions—such as listening, empathy, collaboration, and communication—that make you more than an employee filling a position. They turn you into a valuable company citizen who has the potential to add great value in a variety of environments beyond the day-to-day requirements of your specific job role.
Companies value people who bring soft skills to bear in the workplace—so much so, that it’s often an unspoken factor in determining who gets promoted from entry level to mid-level, and mid-level to executive-level positions. Why? Because the negatives for those who lack soft skills is just too high to sustain.
Without soft skills, leaders run the risk of alienating great employees, causing them to quit and find positions elsewhere. Leaders with poor interpersonal skills make it harder for teams to communicate and collaborate, resulting in delays that slow progress on vital initiatives. The lack of soft skills can make it more difficult to meet customer expectations, hindering the company’s growth. Good leaders and managers know this. Even in the tech industry, business success relies on soft skills as much as technical skills.
Soft skills are transferable to multiple roles
Technical knowhow relates specifically to the area you work in, so it won’t always translate to different roles. But soft skills can be used in any industry, any role—which is why they’re so coveted in leadership. These “transferable skills” make it easier to picture how well you’ll do if you move laterally and especially if you move up. If you’re planning your next career move, keep soft skills in mind, and figure out how to highlight them so you can stand out as a great hire.
Soft skills are practical in getting daily tasks completed
Whatever your role entails on a daily and weekly basis, the technical aspects are simply a part of what you’re doing. The higher you rise in a company, the more you’ll need to use “non-technical” skills such as communicating effectively and inspiring teammates. These behavioral and relationship-building tools and actions will help you and those you work with collaborate to accomplish business goals and meet expectations.
Soft skills are valuable because they help companies thrive
It takes hard skills to handle tasks such as coding and building software and apps. But it takes soft skills to think in terms of the people those tools will serve. Between managing a team of people to get to the finish line on a project, and ensuring the project is a good fit to the customers who will use it, the ability to think in terms of relationship building, communication, and connecting is vital to growing in your tech career.
Key soft skills for mid-level and high-level tech managers to build
Whether you’re in leadership and management already, or whether that’s the next target in building your tech career, look for ways to expand these specific soft skills:
Communication
Let’s face it—the technology field can be complex, and it’s certainly filled with jargon. Not everyone will be an expert in the same things, but they need to understand enough to successfully work together. This is especially key with Agile teams where people with different skill sets collaborate to find solutions that serve clients well.
Being able to share ideas clearly so that everyone can grasp the idea is important. And so is communicating in ways that are inviting and open, which makes it easier for fellow coworkers to receive what you’re saying. Which brings us to…
Emotional intelligence
This term encompasses the idea of finding ways to relate well to others, as well as the ability to manage yourself well. It includes being open to ideas, approachable, and curious, as well as listening to gain understanding. It means looking for points of agreement and finding win-wins. These are skills that make teamwork successful.
Emotional intelligence also means that you understand yourself, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and are skilled at handling stress, frustrations, and strong emotions. People who are good at this are easier to interact with, especially in tech, which can be a high-stress field. Emotional intelligence helps you tackle tough moments with grace and patience—making it essential for leaders to master.
Adaptability
Another must-have soft skill for tech leaders and managers, both mid-level and above, is a fundamental ability to tackle complex challenges effectively. When work gets difficult or plans go awry, as they inevitably do, leaders are responsible for guiding their teams to success.
In tech, leaders who are adaptable will display an ability to approach challenges with a creative, innovative style. They can use critical thinking to evaluate next steps and find a path forward. Doing so with a sense of balance and calmness is helpful—things will go wrong on any project, but if you can roll with it, it’ll be easier to guide your colleagues to find solutions.
Practical ways to develop and improve soft skills as a tech leader
So, how can you enhance your soft skills to better accomplish your career goals as a tech manager? Consider a mix of these approaches to work on communication, empathy, adaptability, and other relationship-based skills:
- Find a mentor or coach who can help you fine-tune how you relate to your emotions, the unexpected, and your relationships.
- Be open to what others say. Learn to express curiosity, without judgment or defensiveness.
- Receive 360-degree feedback so you can more clearly see your strengths and areas for improvement, and then take steps to mitigate any weak spots.
- Take courses and participate in training opportunities in areas such as conflict resolution, communication, and dynamic leadership.
- Join professional organizations where you can interact with others in management or team lead positions and enhance your social skills.
- Keep your perspective. Remember, you can’t know everything—but with trusted colleagues, you don’t have to.
Summing It Up
Most importantly, realize that developing soft skills demands commitment. Put in the work, and you can grow in this vital area for career success. Make room for developing your soft skills daily, and you’ll be setting yourself up for positive results in tech management.
One final tip—the right corporate culture will help you expand your soft skills and open up opportunities for your career growth. When you’re ready for your next job move, our Talent Network can help. Sign up, check out what’s new in our job listings, and find the career success you desire with the help of inTulsa.
