Why “soft skills” matter for IT people?

I remember a guy with a Ph.D. degree was hired for our project. The management had high expectations for a rookie who shone in interviews and expected the scientist to “rip and throw.”

However, over time it became clear that the “professor” was not the sharpest tool in the box. Other skills are in demand in projects — you need to solve real problems (often in time trouble), take responsibility for yourself, withstand pressure, work in harness with a team. Unfortunately, the “professor” was not accustomed to working under pressure, in addition, he lacked interpersonal skills. After all, projects are not only about technologies, they are also about working with people. It sounds paradoxical, but even techies are akin to lawyers, they are always forced to prove their case to everyone around — the customer, management, colleagues. On the other hand, a techie must be flexible in order to adjust his position if his opponent was able to present more weighty arguments.

And now the importance of “soft” skills in business has increased by an order of magnitude! What’s the use of your academic knowledge if you are conflicted, not convincing, cannot agree with others, and quickly solve problems. This concerns everyone — from the secretary to the business leader.

And that “professor” was kicked out a year later, and a young graduate was hired in his place.

He who is bitten by a snake fears even the rope.