I find that communication is an underrated skill among software engineers
The problem, which is sometimes too common, is if they have too good communication skills combined with lacking technical skills. These are the ones that BS their way up the ladder, while screwing over the people that count on them, because their code sucks (the actual important part, for a SW engineer).
But yeah if you’re both good technically and a communicator, you’re pretty damn valuable. Personally, I’d be willing to muscle through terrible comm skills if the technical talent that matters was there.
I’m what you describe: my technical skills aren’t top notch but I communicate well. But I don’t bullshit my way up any ladders, but try and do what I do best; that is, facilitate the communication between people who might not be able to communicate with each other.
Not many in my teams could put a finger on what exactly I did, but all agreed I was fairly valuable and things became worse when I left.
The problem, which is sometimes too common, is if they have too good communication skills combined with lacking technical skills. These are the ones that BS their way up the ladder, while screwing over the people that count on them, because their code sucks (the actual important part, for a SW engineer).
But yeah if you’re both good technically and a communicator, you’re pretty damn valuable. Personally, I’d be willing to muscle through terrible comm skills if the technical talent that matters was there.
I’m what you describe: my technical skills aren’t top notch but I communicate well. But I don’t bullshit my way up any ladders, but try and do what I do best; that is, facilitate the communication between people who might not be able to communicate with each other.
Not many in my teams could put a finger on what exactly I did, but all agreed I was fairly valuable and things became worse when I left.
See: Being Glue
Were you a people person, dammit