8 Software Developer Soft Skills Every Engineer Needs in 2022

Software developers are typically responsible for creating software and testing computer programs. In addition, they may need to perform some maintenance. But the role is not just about the tasks they accomplish; it is about the meaningful interactions with their team. So here are the 8 software developer soft skills that every engineer needs in 2022.

8 Software Developer Soft Skills

Software engineering isn’t only about writing code. In fact, it is about about creating and maintaining strong working relationships that contribute to team success. Many companies now recognize the importance of soft skills. While technical skills are essential, they alone don’t guarantee success.  Honing these soft skills can lead to higher software developer salaries and more full-time work.

Soft Skills Every Developer Needs

 To excel in the software development field, you must possess various soft skill competencies. This article will cover eight soft skills you must have to excel as a software developer.

1. Communication Skills

Software development isn’t one job. It’s a complex field involving many different people and technologies. The most successful software developers can work with everyone. Being able to communicate effectively is essential.

For example, software developers need to describe their work in a simple language. This includes design decisions. They need to tackle coding challenges.

Simply put, they need to explain what they do and how they do it.

2. Teamwork Skills

Software development requires teamwork. It is through collaboration that computing applications and services are created. Effective communication and creating a positive work environment between all team members are essential.

Some teams are spread out across the country or the world. For example, these teams might be located very far apart or interact via phone calls, videoconferences, email, or other electronic means. Every development role, from team leader to manager, is a piece of that puzzle.

The puzzle, though, doesn’t gel and stick together unless everyone on the team is working together. Great teamwork helps make that happen. And great collaboration, in turn, helps overcome challenges.

Because every role on a team brings specific skills and perspectives to the table, everyone must work well with each other. A great software developer will help facilitate this.

3. Connection

One of the more subjective aspects of software engineering is personality. This can significantly impact the success of software publishing – for instance, a quieter person may struggle to motivate a team. But just as essential is the capability of the individual. 

Software developers who demonstrate warmth, empathy, and a positive attitude will succeed with every client interaction and have a more positive job outlook. They also need to be professional, dependable, confident, and trustworthy. A personable and empathetic developer, who actively listens to and understands users’ needs, and who provides help and assistance when needed is more likely to be successful.

 Remote work offers a great deal of freedom. Especially in today’s workplace, where organizations increasingly allow workers to work remotely, developers must possess both the technical chops and the communication skills to speak to others in different situations or settings. But just as importantly, be approachable enough that their team members feel comfortable communicating back.

4. Creative Problem Solving

Every software developer has to solve some problem every day. Whether it’s making something work, preventing bugs, or improving performance, the solutions differ, but they’re all just as important. 

Critical thinking and analytical skills are prized skills in today’s workplace. Critical thinking involves identifying the strengths and weaknesses of alternative courses of action, evaluating the implications of those alternatives, and reaching conclusions based on sound reasoning. This is truly one of the most important of the 8 software developer soft skills.

5. Accountability

Accountability is about being honest with ourselves and others about our mistakes. It means admitting our faults, taking responsibility for them, and making a sincere effort to fix them. It also means acknowledging when we are at fault and accepting blame. 

However, adding risk to the mix also allows us to gain experience. We gain experience each time we try something new, and the more we gain experience, the sharper our skills become. When we add risk to the mix, we expose ourselves to failure, which can teach us a lot about ourselves and help us be better developers.

As many developers will tell you, when they try to solve a complex problem, they’re often so focused on solving the problem that they’re willing to try risky solutions. And this can be a good thing. But if things go wrong, developers need to own up to their mistakes.

6. Organizational And Time Management Skills

Time management is key to being a successful software developer. Many things can go wrong, and computer system design can be complicated. To stay ahead of issues, developers need to plan ahead. They should also be flexible since problems can arise at any time.

Managing project pressure and delivering on time are significant, but project managers need to balance this with making sure they don’t waste time on things that are not relevant. They need to prioritize tasks, plan their day efficiently, and deal with distractions.

7. Be Open-Minded

Many things influence how software developers view new technologies, such as operating systems, availability of development resources, and previous experience. A software developer should be open-minded to emerging technologies and adopt them.

However, a developer should also recognize how innovations have limitations and may or may not be appropriate in a given situation.

Creative problem solving is at its core an open-mindedness – a willingness to question assumptions and consider many different solutions. This open-mindedness leads us toward more significant innovation. A leader’s most important job, then, is to ensure that all employees feel valued and are given opportunities to be creative.

8. High Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to perceive, control, and express emotions. It is a skill that is becoming increasingly important in today’s workforce.

According to the bureau of labor statistics, EQ is as critical to professional success as technical skills. It is a predictor of job performance, leadership potential, creativity, and career satisfaction.

Do You Need These Skills As a Software Engineer?

To have a successful career in software development, you must master various soft skill competencies. While technical expertise is undoubtedly necessary, employers are looking for candidates that can collaborate effectively, work well in a team, and communicate effectively.