7 Soft Skills Every Software Developer Needs to Succeed

When it comes to the skills that contribute to success in software development, technical capabilities like programming languages and other technologies surely spring to mind. However, more than two decades of experience in the tech field taught me that technical expertise is not enough. Although many highly skilled developers I've seen or worked with were not the top in understanding the nuances of the field, they always communicated well and were ready to collaborate. Here are 7 soft skills every software developer needs to succeed, and ways to improve communication, teamwork, and career growth.

1. Communication

Even the best code will bring little profit if you fail to explain it or work with people in any way. In your work as a developer, you will have to communicate with a variety of audiences, including project managers, stakeholders, designers, and other developers, so having good communication skills is vital.

For instance, to communicate effectively with a non-technical stakeholder, it's better to speak of how your decision will impact the business rather than describe implementation specifics.

How to develop: Practice explaining everything in plain language. In meetings, don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify important information and make sure everyone is on the same page.

2. Problem Solving

A software developer faces new problems regularly. However, problem solving doesn't only consist of solving the issue technically. An excellent developer knows how to break down complicated problems into small parts, analyze possible approaches, evaluate their pros and cons, etc. For example, if an application experiences performance issues, you shouldn't rush into fixing it. First, you need to determine the root of the problem, gather relevant information, and evaluate possible solutions.

How to develop: Think twice before doing anything. Identify the problem, and only then find its solution.

3. Adaptability

Changes are frequent in the IT sphere, as we always deal with new technologies, new tools, and changing business priorities. Developers who are against changes sooner or later lose their edge, while those who eagerly try something new have great chances for successful career building.

Throughout my career, I had to switch from being a software developer to working in education, and then back again. However, I managed to adapt to the situation, which allowed me to see things differently and open up a new career path.

How to develop: Try to get used to new things as fast as possible and develop a habit of learning and experimenting.

4. Teamwork and Collaboration

Although you may be responsible for a certain feature in your development, you still work together with the rest of the team: designers, testers, other developers, etc. Successful developers realize that cooperation consists of more than participation in discussions. It also implies knowledge sharing and constructive code reviews, among other things.

For example, if you review code and notice some mistake in it, you shouldn't only tell about the error but should explain why there is one and how it can be corrected properly.

How to develop: Actively take part in the code review and document your decisions. Assist your teammates as needed.

5. Time Management

Developers often have to deal with lots of assignments – developing new features, testing applications, participating in meetings, resolving production-related issues, etc. Without effective time management, you risk spending your whole day solving trivial tasks without getting the job done. This was another lesson that I got during my work as a software developer, and now I know that busyness does not necessarily mean productivity.

How to develop: Always prioritize your tasks according to their priority level. Break big tasks into small ones, and communicate with your team in case of a potential delay in your work.

6. Emotional Intelligence

Being emotionally intelligent means understanding your own feelings and the effect of your behavior and decisions on other people. This skill is important in receiving critical feedback, conflict resolution, handling stress at the end of projects, and so on. For example, imagine receiving critical feedback during code review. You shouldn't react to this with aggression, but try to analyze it and ask clarifying questions. Developers who are emotionally intelligent are usually better at building relationships, and often prepare themselves for leading positions in the future.

How to develop: Practice active listening and receiving constructive criticism.

7. Knowing When to Ask for Help

This is possibly the most undervalued skill of developers, which I have learned by myself. At the beginning of my career, I was embarrassed to ask someone any question because of being afraid of seeming not knowledgeable enough. Unfortunately, that led to spending lots of time on something that could be done faster with help. Eventually, I came up with a simple rule: I asked for help whenever I found myself working on the same task without any progress for an hour. Asking questions does not make you less of a developer. On the contrary, you show that you understand your limitations and value other people's time.

How to develop: Set up a time limit for trying to fix some problem without any help, and in case of failure, feel free to contact other developers.

How Can You Develop Your Soft Skills?

These 7 soft skills every software developer needs to succeed tell us that technical knowledge isn't enough to have a successful career in software development, which means you should work on your soft skills in order to make your future better. If it's hard for you to get into a position of senior developer, grow as a leader, or choose the next career move, I am ready to help.

Using my career development coaching services, I work one-to-one with you to help you understand yourself better, to cope with your problems, and to draw up a strategy for further professional development.

Interested in investing in your career? Let's discuss it! Get your free 30-minute consultation here.