With the increasing knowledge in software development and the rising competition, being great at your job or having the finest codes may not be enough to help you advance through the ranks and earn the right to lead teams, projects, and, ultimately, companies.
Unfortunately, just as there is a gap in the educational system fueling the extreme shortage of technical talent, there is also a gap in the tech world when it comes to learning the soft skills that translate into not just a “good job,” but a great career in technology.
In this article, we will be sharing 6 non-technical skills every developer needs in other to move from a good employee to a great one.
- Curiosity:
To move up the ranks, developers need to start asking questions and attack problems from new angles. Moving along with the daily grind is not enough.
Those who get ahead look at nagging problems and elegant solutions and ask themselves questions like “why does this happen?” or “why does this work?” They look at issues from multiple perspectives to find new solutions.
Curiosity drives projects and companies forward, and catapults careers. To stimulate that curiosity, read up on topics of interest. Look at the latest research. Ask questions.
2. Be open to new experiences
As a developer, be open to saying “yes” to new things. Avoid a repetitive and predictable life.
Be willing to take risks, experiment, and try out new methods. The tech industry moves fast, and those who are willing to push boundaries and jump on board with new processes and systems will be the most successful.
Taking on new roles and responsibilities can also help move your career forward quicker.
3. Think with the future in mind:
What is the bigger picture for you? What kind of life are you seeking to build?
Despite pressure from managers, great developers take the time to create high-quality work. They understand that they, or someone else, will need to clean up their mess if they do a poor job. Spending extra time to complete projects right will save time and frustration in the long run by avoiding unnecessary mistakes and corrections.
Producing consistent, quality work not only saves the developer from unwanted headaches down the road, but also establishes their reputation as attentive, thorough, and precise.
4. Be disciplined:
Coding is a lot like sports especially when done repeatedly. Building muscle memory is essential to operate at maximum efficiency and just like athletes, this is developed through disciplined practice.
Build muscle memory by setting aside 20 minutes each day to code. This will enable it to move from a chore to a habit
Over time, gradually increase the time spent in practice. Building coding habits will boost muscle memory and increase productivity.
5. Fuel Your Creativity:
Doing the same thing every day could be boring and make one lose interest quick. Develop a hobby outside work, it could be games, art, music, or something different that keeps your mind active and excited.
This will encourage a creative flow and give you something to look forward to beyond your work.
Conclusion:
If applied, these skills above will not only add spice to your work-life but also make you stand out from the rest of the crowd.
At Zarttech, we are constantly sourcing for senior IT experts to fit the various available positions from our clients, send an email to [email protected] and we will reach out to you if we find a role that suits you.
