Soft Skills
There’s nothing soft about the power of relationships. Soft skills are more than seductive talk – it all starts with being authentic and graceful!
Soft skills are no longer an optional focus for the modern software professional.
In the 20+ years I’ve produced software, no other set of workplace skills has proven more valuable to my career than the ability to influence people and relationships.
It literally can transform you from being seen as an “independent contributor” to a “leader” in the eyes of your superiors and colleagues by focusing on these skills.
All Content about Soft Skills
November 20, 2024 | 36:53
Learn how to lead software teams effectively by asking resourceful questions, empowering autonomy, and fostering ownership and growth.
November 6, 2024 | 13:23
Learn how to set and enforce boundaries with your manager to avoid burnout, protect your mental health, and build professional respect.
September 18, 2024 | 14:51
Be a 10x programmer by writing less code, streamlining features, minimizing complexity, and maximizing team efficiency.
September 11, 2024 | 18:39
Learn proven strategies to get your boss to listen, convince your manager, and persuade them to act on your concerns.
June 10, 2024 | 23:38
We can feel so strongly about experiences we’ve had, that they blind us from being open to other equally valid perspectives
June 4, 2024 | 31:22
Ever seen management bring in a technology consultant, and suddenly they’re open to ideas you’ve been telling them all along?
April 29, 2024 | 28:04
Being a software engineer can cause us to do things we think the company wants – that actually hurt our reputation in the long run.
March 25, 2024 | 27:58
How can you really connect with the person you’re convincing in tech, so they can understand the value you offer – and buy your idea?
March 18, 2024 | 20:54
After being manipulated by many other programmers and managers through political games, I was tempted to fight dirty.
March 11, 2024 | 28:09
Why do people in tech careers often mistake intelligence for wisdom, and why is our industry so prone to making unwise decisions?
October 16, 2023 | 24:29
Understand the Tech Lead role in-depth, debunking myths and revealing key responsibilities to help you decide if it’s your ideal career path.
July 27, 2022 | 14:42
Ever wanted to do something new, or make a change on your software project – but other people on your team won’t support you?
May 4, 2022 | 20:54
Today we’re going to talk about how canceling developers and other IT professionals for mistakes can hold you back from the career you want in software.
July 17, 2018 | 8:34
Blocking multiple people to pause a software project so you can fix a problem can be hard if everyone’s focused on how much people are getting done.
May 25, 2018 | 7:02
There’s no shame in getting help from a friend on a software project! In this episode I tell a story about how getting help was critical to my success.
April 26, 2018 | 12:47
It can be confusing when most companies don’t make it clear how software developers can get promoted for more senior roles.
April 9, 2018 | 12:56
Have you ever been confronted with accepting circumstances you couldn’t change on your software project that were really difficult?
March 24, 2018 | 7:52
Why does it seem like no matter how strong your argument, some programmers never seem to want to agree with you?
March 9, 2018 | 20:26
Programmers can lose hope in just a few years in the industry if they don’t have the tools to cope with pressures unique to the job.
February 20, 2018 | 14:25
Could it be that you’re on a project with a software leader that’s a narcissist – one who criticizes everything you do?
February 10, 2018 | 19:14
Overcome walls people can put up – and instead have them welcome your suggestions on a new software project.
February 9, 2018 | 20:16
In this episode, I want to ask you a question that might make you defensive: “Are you a perfectionist programmer?”.
January 31, 2018 | 12:11
How you say no on a software project can build resentment if you don’t establish clear boundaries – and decline the request with grace.
January 30, 2018 | 10:48
How you handle late software tasks often has far reaching implications on your career, reputation and your health.
January 29, 2018 | 29:33
Only democratic teams that have an inclusive technical culture bring out the best in people by giving them shared ownership over software architecture.
November 2, 2017 | 8:40
Ever feel like others are turned off by you before you’re even able to fully explain yourself? I’ve struggled over my career to be understood.
October 24, 2017 | 16:22
Does it frustrate you when you see other software professionals get recognition or opportunities you want? Wanting to feel important has a dark side.
October 17, 2017 | 16:46
To let the customer take a larger role in deciding what’s in your product, and release it multiple times per day — you’ll have to overcome attachment.
October 13, 2017 | 7:59
Get people to agree and come to consensus so you can grow on your software project, or in your career with these tips I’ve learned.
September 14, 2017 | 13:59
Whether it’s you or someone else, dishonesty in your software development career may bring short term benefits – but eventually it catches up with you.
August 1, 2017 | 30:04
Before you can try something new that requires other people to support you, you’ve got to win trust for your software development ideas.
July 31, 2017 | 32:48
As a servant leader, you can help other people that work with you so they’re more fulfilled, and inspire them on your software projects.
July 28, 2017 | 16:56
When software developers disagree, they can belittle each other or have a hard time coming to agreement on trivial issues. But you don’t have to.
July 17, 2017 | 23:31
Pride can kill a software project. In this episode I share 5 ways things can go bad – and 3 strategies I’ve used to fight pride.