It's not true everywhere but it's pretty much rewarded everywhere. Software engineering is pretty difficult to evaluate and managers will default to evaluating "soft skills" because they haven't looked at a PR in a decade. Also, the problems most organizations solve don't require much ability.

That said, I also do not think the author means admin/business related tasks, but non-"coding" things like software design, technical vision, etc.? You might want to look at earlier stage start ups that don't need the management/pseudo-management positions (if it fits your life). Warning that you'll have to jump ship as the startup becomes successful and you get pushed into non-technical roles. :)