The Power of the Soft Skill

Every day developers ask themselves what they can do to improve their technical expertise. Which comes to no surprise seeing the nature of this industry.
However it is important to focus some of your time on training and learning to use your soft skills. This will help you be a better developer.
Skills like communication, collaboration and problem solving skills will give you an edge when trying to get into a certain company or when trying to obtain that contract you always wanted. During this talk you will be shown some of the most vital skills needed for developers to reach that goal. Besides the overview we will also dive into methods by which you can actively work on improving said skills.

Live talk: https://youtu.be/eeveEJBCd7A

Transcript

1. The Power of the Soft Skill The forgotten side of the skill tree
2. Kenneth Schabrechts @Agilix_ Owner Agilix Consultant Komma Board
3. What are soft skills?
4. Hard Skills • Specific and teachable abilities • Defined • Measured
5. Soft Skills • Character traits • Interpersonal skills • Complement hard skills
6. Why do we need these skills?
7. Soft skills get little respect, but will make or break your career Peggy Klaus
8. Research by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center • 85% of job success comes from having well developed soft skills and people skills • In 2010 employers spent $171,5 billion on employee training ◦ 28% was used for soft skill training
10. When do we use our soft skills?
11. Soft skill usage • All day, every day • Without even knowing
12. Which skills are important to us?
13. Communicating • Most common entry • Verbal • Non verbal • From handling conflict -> persuasion • Ability to develop constructive working relationships
14. Decision making • Being decisive • Gathering important facts • Seeking advice • Looking at the big picture • Considering alternatives • Being aware of repercussions
15. Flexibility • Adaptable • Flexible • Step outside your comfort zone • ‘Can-do’ attitude
16. Time management • Prioritizing tasks • Minimum effort • Maximum output • Juggle multiple projects
17. Creativity & problem solving • Apply logic • Apply creativity • Combine these • Try to see the solution as well as the problem
18. How can we improve said skills?
19. Communicating • Eye contact • Body language • Speaking • Ask & repeat • Learn to manage conflict • Network • Up the empathy • Listen
20. Decision making • Don’t delay • Keep emotions out of the equation • Significance of the decision • Research • Take charge! • Don’t dwell on past mistakes
21. Flexibility • Step out of your comfort zone • Say “YES” to challenges • Take improv classes • Be open to alternative options • Take on new roles, even if they’re a stretch
22. Time management • Learn to prioritize work • Delegate tasks • Schedule tasks • Avoid procastination • Learn to say “NO” • FOCUS
23. Creativity & problem solving • Define the problem clearly • Then focus on the solution • Think laterally • Simplify • Be inquisitive • Do not panic!
24. So remember next time when you are in a meeting
25. Thank you Q&A Time