Working as a developer doesn’t mean you will work alone and only code. Usually, you will work in smaller or larger teams where soft skills are essential because – and that can come as a surprise to you – sometimes being more communicative is more important than being more technical. Continue reading to find out what are the most important soft skills to have as a developer.
From this article you will learn:
- How developers use their soft skills on a daily basis
- What 3 soft skills you should master as a developer
How do developers use their soft skills on a daily basis? Espeo’s approach
Simple example – at Espeo, working with clients is a common thing and building good relationships are very important. You need to have in mind that the client doesn’t need to know your technical slang. This is why you need to be prepared for explaining things in a way which can be understandable for a person that doesn’t have knowledge in your sector. There is nothing worse than when both sides do not understand each other. Of course this example applies to your colleagues in the team as well.
Imagine explaining complexities of code or platform to your mate graphic designer just because you need something for your onboarding page or view. Most probably he or she will not understand the reason because, as I wrote previously, he or she is not working in your sector. For this reason soft skills are so important in the work of a developer.
How does working at Espeo look like? Read this article and find out!
Based on my experience in several IT companies, the following soft skills are the most important:
- Communication
It is very important to talk with each other. Don’t be afraid to ask someone about something, explain why a certain idea could be better, why a particular solution can be replaced with a different one, or even say that you don’t understand something. The people on the other side are just like you, so don’t be afraid to speak up. - Transparency
Always be honest with the client, manager, your team mates, or whatever person that you are working with. Everyone should know where they stand at a certain moment. For example, if you know that you will probably miss a deadline, don’t lie about it, tell the truth and explain that you have a problem with something. In that case your leader or manager can help you with your work or even adjust the time of task to prevent missing the deadline. - Kindness
Be kind to each other! Imagine how it would be to wake up dreading the thought of working with those at your workplace. It is the worst possible scenario! As I said before, on the other side of the dialogue are people just like you, so think about how you would like to be treated and treat others the same. This will surely help you be more satisfied and happy in your environment and will also have a positive impact on your colleagues and boost their mood as well.
In conclusion, I would like to add that working on your soft skills is often a work on yourself. Sometimes it can even be harder than improving your technical skills but remember one thing – it will not only make you a better employee but also a better person.
