Redefining Excellence: Why soft skills are the X-factor in technical roles

According to Ranjesh Kumar, an alumnus of School of Engineering & Technology (SoET), Apeejay Stya University (ASU), “To succeed in the technical roles, one must also understand that developing soft skills are equally important and play a pivotal role in his/her career advancements. People who tend to collaborate and show leadership are often seen to be better performing than those who don’t. Likewise, people who show empathy towards others are often seen as better leaders or team players.”

Ranjesh, who is working as a Senior Station Controller with Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., believes that professionals with B Tech or M Tech degrees must also focus on building different soft skills as these will make them future-ready.

In technical roles, it is easy to prioritise hard skills and technical expertise over soft skills. However, the importance of soft skills should not be underestimated. Building effective communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership skills can significantly enhance the success and career growth of individuals in technical roles. In this article, let’s explore why nurturing various soft skills is essential for professionals in technical fields.

Enhanced collaboration and teamwork: Technical projects often involve working in multidisciplinary teams. Soft skills such as communication, active listening, and empathy are critical for effective collaboration. Clear and concise communication facilitates the sharing of ideas, requirements, and problem-solving strategies among team members. Empathy and active listening help in understanding different perspectives and fostering a supportive team environment. When technical professionals possess strong soft skills, they can work cohesively with colleagues, bridge gaps in knowledge and expertise, and collectively deliver successful outcomes.

Improved problem-solving and innovation: Soft skills complement technical expertise by enabling professionals to approach problem-solving and innovation from a holistic perspective. Creative and critical thinking, adaptability, and a growth mindset are valuable soft skills that allow technical professionals to identify alternative solutions, adapt to changing circumstances, and think outside the box. By incorporating soft skills into their problem-solving approach, technical professionals can tackle complex challenges more effectively, explore innovative solutions, and drive continuous improvement within their organisations.

Read This: ‘Your skills will fetch you a job’

Effective leadership and mentorship: Strong leadership skills are crucial for technical professionals who aspire to take on managerial or leadership roles. Soft skills like effective communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate others are essential for leading teams, delegating tasks, and driving project success. Additionally, technical professionals with well-developed soft skills can serve as mentors, guiding and supporting less experienced team members, fostering a culture of learning and growth within the organisation.

Enhanced client and stakeholder relationships:  In technical roles, professionals often interact with clients, stakeholders, and other non-technical individuals. Soft skills such as effective communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills are vital for building strong relationships, understanding client needs, and managing expectations. Building rapport and trust with clients and stakeholders can lead to better collaboration, increased client satisfaction, and long-term business success.

Also Read: Four key software engineer skills for today’s job market

Career advancement: Soft skills are increasingly valued by employers in technical fields. Professionals who possess a combination of technical expertise and strong soft skills are well-positioned for career advancement opportunities. Developing soft skills can open doors to leadership roles, managerial positions, and even entrepreneurship, expanding career prospects and enhancing professional growth.

Emphasising that soft skills do play a crucial role in technical roles and are increasingly recognised as essential for professional success, Dr. Afiya from School of Education at ASU, highlights, “A soft skill can be defined as a personal attribute that enhances an individual’s ability to get a job done. An engineer works towards providing solutions to the problems. And he/she comes across many clients and stakeholders in this process. Thus, they need to convey their engineered solutions to others in the right way. Engineers need to be as descriptive to ensure that their ideas are understood. There is a famous quote by George Bernard Shaw that, ‘The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.’”

She further adds how proper communication is needed for proper execution of any technical work. “For technical professionals, soft skills are crucial as they enhance communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, customer interactions, innovation, and personal development. Cultivating these skills alongside technical expertise allows individuals to excel in their roles, contribute effectively to their organisations, and thrive in their careers.”

In a nutshell, building soft skills alongside technical expertise is crucial for professionals in technical roles. And therefore, by investing in soft skill development, professionals with technical expertise can differentiate themselves in the competitive job market and thrive in their careers.