Do Communication Skills Matter?

2 points·tsrubin··8 comments

I was wondering how important you think it is for a high-level programmer to have good communication skills?

I’ve found that communication skills can make or break even the best coders. Writing clean code is one thing, but if you can’t explain decisions, share context, or align with teammates and stakeholders, projects drift and good ideas get lost.

Curious if others here have seen companies actively train engineers in communication, or if it’s still something people are expected to figure out for themselves?

If software engineering is an engine, communication skills are a steering wheel:

No matter how strong the former, without the latter you probably won't end up where you wanted.

I like how you phrased that. Makes sense. Just wondering if Tech firms prioritize it and give their people formal training or do Engs and Devs have to seek it out on their own.

Software development is rarely a solo activity. You will need to communicate with other developers, product managers, designers, and non-technical stakeholders.

yes... communication skills matter just to get the job...hr are full of people's persons, and people's persons love communication skills... like, they like those a lot, and those who don't they don't

I think that they're essential.

Yes

I wonder if CTO's care that much if their teams have good communication skills. Is it typical that Devs and Engs get communication training on the job. I have not witnessed that.

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