Do Engineers need Soft Skills?

Few months back I was having a coffee with a leader of a major IT company here in Cork and he was telling me how engineers seem to avoid soft skills training if there is no certification attached, if it's not a new it skill they are learning, they are just not interested apparently. I left that information on the back of my mind but recently it came with an observation. If the company is bothering to organize and pay for soft skill training there must be a reason. There must be a benefit that the organization sees, but not the engineers. Thinking to the engineers I know, while I am not sure what is their idea on soft skills training I have to admit a tendency of valuing these skills after they realized (usually at a cost) their life could be easier if added to their toolbox.

What are then the missed benefits of these engineers missing on their soft skills training?

1.       Effective Communication: IT engineers often need to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Soft skills, particularly effective communication, enable them to convey ideas, requirements, and project updates in a clear and understandable manner, fostering collaboration with team members, clients, and other departments.

2.       Team Collaboration: IT projects typically involve collaboration among diverse teams with various skill sets. Soft skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and conflict resolution are crucial for fostering a positive team culture. Engineers with strong interpersonal skills can contribute more effectively to group projects, leading to improved productivity and project outcomes.

3.       Customer Service and Client Relations: IT engineers may interact directly with clients, end-users, or other stakeholders. Soft skills, including customer service and relationship-building, are essential for understanding client needs, managing expectations, and providing effective support. Positive client relations contribute to project success and the reputation of the IT team.

4.       Adaptability to Change: The IT industry is dynamic, with constant technological advancements and evolving project requirements. Soft skills such as adaptability and resilience are crucial for IT engineers to navigate change, embrace new technologies, and respond effectively to shifting project priorities.

5.       Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Soft skills contribute to effective problem-solving and critical thinking. IT engineers with strong analytical and creative thinking abilities can approach challenges with flexibility, finding innovative solutions to complex problems and contributing to the development of robust and efficient IT systems.

6.       Leadership and Project Management: Soft skills are fundamental for leadership roles within IT teams. Engineers with leadership skills can manage projects, coordinate team efforts, and inspire colleagues to achieve common goals. Effective project management, including planning, organization, and communication, is facilitated by strong soft skills.

7.       Time Management and Prioritization: Soft skills such as time management and prioritization are crucial for handling multiple tasks and deadlines. IT engineers often work on various projects simultaneously, and effective soft skills enable them to allocate time efficiently, meet deadlines, and balance competing priorities.

8.       Innovation and Creativity: Soft skills contribute to fostering an innovative and creative mindset. Engineers who possess skills such as lateral thinking and openness to new ideas are more likely to contribute to the development of innovative solutions and stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

9.       Conflict Resolution: Conflicts may arise in the course of IT projects. Soft skills, particularly conflict resolution and negotiation, are essential for addressing disagreements, managing team dynamics, and maintaining a positive work environment.

10.   Professional Development and Networking: Soft skills contribute to professional development and networking opportunities. Engineers with strong interpersonal skills can build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals, enhancing their career prospects and staying informed about industry trends and opportunities.

11.   Increased Job Satisfaction: Soft skills contribute to a positive work environment, effective collaboration, and supportive relationships. IT engineers who possess strong soft skills are more likely to experience job satisfaction, as they can navigate challenges more effectively and contribute meaningfully to their teams.

If I need to be honest, I feel is not right to generalize that all engineers are not interested in soft skills training, these are just considerations that have been toying at the back of my mind from that meeting.

What I really think, is that sometimes the soft-skills training are an off the shelf offering that doesn't always fit your audience.

People with long to do list, little time and quite advanced in their career will not attend a two hours training where only 20min are seen as relevant.

Training should really be the last step. Before landing to training we should have clear what is that the audience need and what is the best value for time that can be offered and we can do that just by asking these questions and then tailoring the training based on their needs.