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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

Most Programmers FAIL at Persuasion! Here’s Why…
Most Programmers FAIL at Persuasion! Here’s Why…

7/27/2022|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?

Canceling Programmers for Mistakes? You’re Next!
Canceling Programmers for Mistakes? You’re Next!

5/4/2022|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.

How To Pause A Software Project To Fix A Problem
How To Pause A Software Project To Fix A Problem

7/17/2018|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.

I Got By On A Software Project With Help From My Friend
I Got By On A Software Project With Help From My Friend

5/25/2018|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.

What REALLY Gets Software Developers Promoted?
What REALLY Gets Software Developers Promoted?

4/26/2018|12:47

It can be confusing when most companies don’t make it clear how software developers can get promoted for more senior roles.

Accepting What You Can’t Change On A Software Project
Accepting What You Can’t Change On A Software Project

4/9/2018|12:56

Have you ever been confronted with accepting circumstances you couldn’t change on your software project that were really difficult?

Why Do Some Programmers Never Agree?
Why Do Some Programmers Never Agree?

3/24/2018|7:52

Why does it seem like no matter how strong your argument, some programmers never seem to want to agree with you?

Why Do So Many Programmers Lose Hope?
Why Do So Many Programmers Lose Hope?

3/10/2018|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.

Is Your Leader A Narcissist?
Is Your Leader A Narcissist?

2/20/2018|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?

New Software Project? Earn Respect From Your Team!
New Software Project? Earn Respect From Your Team!

2/10/2018|19:14

Overcome walls people can put up – and instead have them welcome your suggestions on a new software project.

Are You A Perfectionist Programmer?
Are You A Perfectionist Programmer?

2/9/2018|20:16

In this episode, I want to ask you a question that might make you defensive: “Are you a perfectionist programmer?”.

Say NO On A Software Project – So They Will Listen!
Say NO On A Software Project – So They Will Listen!

1/31/2018|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.

What To Do When Your Software Tasks Will Be Late
What To Do When Your Software Tasks Will Be Late

1/30/2018|10:48

How you handle late software tasks often has far reaching implications on your career, reputation and your health.

Democratic Software Architecture – Sharing Technology Decisions
Democratic Software Architecture – Sharing Technology Decisions

1/29/2018|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.

Needing To Be Understood Makes Software Professionals Dislike You
Needing To Be Understood Makes Software Professionals Dislike You

11/3/2017|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.

Is Wanting To Feel Important Hurting Your Software Career?
Is Wanting To Feel Important Hurting Your Software Career?

10/25/2017|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.

Overcome Attachment: Discover Lean Software Development
Overcome Attachment: Discover Lean Software Development

10/18/2017|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.

How To Build Consensus For Software Decisions
How To Build Consensus For Software Decisions

10/14/2017|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.

5 Ways Dishonesty HURTS Your Software Development Career!
5 Ways Dishonesty HURTS Your Software Development Career!

9/14/2017|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.

How To Win Trust For Your Software Development Ideas
How To Win Trust For Your Software Development Ideas

8/1/2017|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.

How To Be A Servant Leader On Software Projects
How To Be A Servant Leader On Software Projects

7/31/2017|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.

Why Software Developers DISAGREE – And What To Do About It!
Why Software Developers DISAGREE – And What To Do About It!

7/28/2017|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.

5 Ways Pride KILLS A Software Project!
5 Ways Pride KILLS A Software Project!

7/17/2017|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.