![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Soft-Skills-Top.jpg\")
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They\u2019re hard to measure \u2013 but you know \u2018em when you see \u2018em.<\/span><\/p>\n In short, all those things most people <\/span>don\u2019t<\/span><\/i> focus on!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Great soft skills set you apart<\/a> as a software developer. They open doors for you. And thus, they multiply your income potential.<\/span><\/p>\n They\u2019re the most valuable thing in programming I could teach you.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s dive in.<\/span><\/p>\n Setting goals as a developer seems pretty obvious<\/a> \u2013 right?<\/span><\/p>\n Yet so few programmers ever define goals for their career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why?<\/span><\/p>\n My guess is for one of two reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n But every step you take without a clear direction is a wasted step. Don\u2019t randomly walk through life without a purpose for your career!<\/span><\/p>\n Take these two main actions to improve the soft skill of goal setting:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If you think your main job as a software developer is to write code<\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n You better think again.<\/span><\/p>\n Your job as a programmer \u2013 just as in about every industry \u2013 is to deal with people.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n And how do you master your relationship with people? By mastering communication.<\/span><\/p>\n Start practicing your communication skills at work each day:<\/span><\/p>\n I dislike the introvert vs extrovert label.<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t say \u2018I\u2019m shy, because I\u2019m introverted\u2019. The two are not connected. Stop that shit. It\u2019s an excuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Just do it. Feel the fear and do it anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n If you get into the habit, you\u2019re going to become a better communicator. <\/span>You’ll <\/span>make a ton of connections.. and you\u2019re going to see the effects of that.<\/span><\/p>\n Public speaking can give you authority, bring in support for your projects, and open all kinds of doors for you as a developer<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n In most companies there\u2019s chances for you as an employee to give talks or presentations to the team.<\/span><\/p>\n Take those opportunities! Also practice your public speaking outside of work: You can do this at code camps and local user groups. Get this soft skill dialed in and transform your programming career.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re:<\/span><\/p>\n they\u2019ll love you for it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a result, people will like being around you. They\u2019ll speak highly of you to others. And whenever they hear of a new opportunity, they\u2019ll think of you first.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a simple fact of nature: <\/span>Dress well<\/span> and everyone will treat you better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So take that chance and become the rare well-dressed software developer<\/a> out there! A clean, cool, matching wardrobe can take you far.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Like it or not, people like to judge by appearances. Don\u2019t be shy \u2013 use it to your advantage!<\/span><\/p>\n Even if writing code is the part of your job you enjoy the most:<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to be a good software developer, you have to learn to deal effectively with people’s psychology<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s 3 secrets to become popular at work by mastering social dynamics<\/u><\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n When dealing with another human being at work, start by putting yourself in their shoes. Be empathetic and try to see where they\u2019re coming from.<\/span><\/p>\n People want to feel seen, heard, and appreciated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But they rarely ever do.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re the one taking the time to do that for your coworkers \u2013 guess who they\u2019re going to like and trust more than everybody else?<\/span><\/p>\n Isn\u2019t this being manipulative<\/span><\/i>?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n No, it\u2019s called having empathy and actually seeing and appreciating the human you\u2019re talking to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s be real: As a software developer or engineer, you\u2019re often the smartest person in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n This doesn\u2019t mean you should tell everyone what they could do better. <\/span>Even if it\u2019s true<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n At all costs, avoid being the know-all guy<\/strong>. Just get your validation from doing great work! It\u2019s a law of human nature that most are not ready for honest feedback. <\/span><\/p>\n If you really need to offer constructive criticism, think about how you can do it so it doesn\u2019t lead them to resent you for it. If you can, make it sound like their own idea. <\/span><\/p>\n Also: <\/span>When dealing with people, praise works ten times better than criticism.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The same goes for getting into arguments of any kind. In 99% of cases it doesn\u2019t help \u2013 only makes things worse. Take the high road by avoiding those pointless arguments. <\/span><\/p>\n Instead, spend the time creating something valuable.<\/span><\/p>\n What does your boss want?<\/span><\/p>\n What are your coworker\u2019s goals?<\/span><\/p>\n In every interaction, relate what you\u2019re saying to how it will benefit <\/span>them<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n If they see how you can improve their bottom line or status, they\u2019ll like you more and actually listen to what you have to say.<\/span><\/p>\n Master the developer’s soft skill of negotiation<\/span><\/a>, and you\u2019ll make a lot more hard cash in your lifetime.<\/span><\/p>\n As software engineers and developers we create so much value for any company we\u2019re working with.<\/span><\/p>\n If you know your work is quality: Don\u2019t be shy to aim for top-notch pay. They\u2019re making a large multiple of your salary with what you\u2019re providing them.<\/span><\/p>\n If you ask for more, you have to be prepared to sometimes hear \u2018no\u2019. As humans, we feel <\/span>the pain of rejection<\/span><\/a> just like we do physical pain. So most people try to avoid it.<\/span><\/p>\n But if you stare fear in the face, and <\/span>do it anyway<\/span><\/a> \u2013 you get access to big potential benefits others miss out on.<\/span><\/p>\n The person with the greatest need always has the disadvantage. <\/span><\/p>\n So if you have several options for getting a new job or client, you can negotiate from a stronger position than if you sent in your resume with everyone else and you\u2019re now dependent on them saying yes.<\/span><\/p>\n In price negotiations, the first to name a price loses.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re negotiating your salary as a programmer, for example: Get them no name the range they have in mind for this position. Now you\u2019re at an advantage \u2013 you can price yourself accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n Also consider this: The better job you do of marketing yourself and building a reputation, the easier it will be for you to negotiate. <\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019ve worked with software developers who were able to <\/span>double<\/span><\/i> their salaries based on nothing but building up a bit of a personal brand and online reputation.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, consider reading a book or two on <\/span>how to negotiate better<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n As a programmer you\u2019re constantly battling against deadlines, confused coworkers and demanding bosses. You\u2019re expected to do your best work while stressed to the max.<\/span><\/p>\n This is where <\/span>emotional mastery for programmers<\/span><\/a> comes in. This soft skill is a superpower. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
1. Goal Setting – Achieve Your Dreams As A Developer<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Developer-Goal-Setting\"](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Developer-Goal-Setting.jpg\")
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2. Communication & Speaking Skills – Level Up Your Career<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Talk to more people (besides your computer)<\/span><\/h3>\n
Become a Persuasive Public Speaker<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Public](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Programmer-Public-Speaker.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Attractiveness & Charisma – Switch Your Life to Easy Mode<\/span><\/h2>\n
Engage Others & Spread a Positive Attitude<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Dress Well<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Well-Dressed](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Dress-Well-Programmer.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Social Dynamics Awareness & People Skills – Gain Support & Avoid Pitfalls<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Everyone wants to feel important<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Never criticize & avoid arguments<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Social](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Social-Skills-forProgrammers.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Think about what the other person wants<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Negotiation Skills of a Pro – Get What You Deserve<\/span><\/h2>\n
Know your value<\/span><\/h3>\n
Face the fear of rejection<\/span><\/h3>\n
Learn effective negotiation tactics<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Software-Developer-Salary-Negotiation-Skills\"](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Software-Developer-Salary-Negotiation-Skills.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBe smart<\/span><\/h3>\n
Reputation is powerful<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Emotional Mastery – Keep Yourself Calm & Controlled, Always<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Emotional-Mastery-Programmer\"](\"https:\/\/simpleprogrammer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Emotional-Mastery-Programmer.jpg\")
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