I started writing software in 1984. Over the years I worked with many languages, technologies, and tools. I have been in leadership positions since the early 2000s, and in executive roles since 2014.
The answer is pretty clear in my mind: Soft skills and Project Management Skills.
Engineering didn't teach me much about soft skills and as a leader, I had to develop those from scratch. People are very complex, and leading them is a subtle art of seeding ideas and waiting for them to grow.
Also, project management. The "why" is a super important aspect of project management, but there are others. For example, an understanding of the importance of evaluating cost vs. value of anything that is being done is not something that an engineering background really prepares you for. The economy of software development is a key aspect that is important to understand for proper leadership.
I started writing software in 1984. Over the years I worked with many languages, technologies, and tools. I have been in leadership positions since the early 2000s, and in executive roles since 2014.
The answer is pretty clear in my mind: Soft skills and Project Management Skills.
Engineering didn't teach me much about soft skills and as a leader, I had to develop those from scratch. People are very complex, and leading them is a subtle art of seeding ideas and waiting for them to grow.
Also, project management. The "why" is a super important aspect of project management, but there are others. For example, an understanding of the importance of evaluating cost vs. value of anything that is being done is not something that an engineering background really prepares you for. The economy of software development is a key aspect that is important to understand for proper leadership.
oh yes, couldn't agree more.
Thank you, Jess!!