You want to get promoted in IT Management. What’s the best way to develop your soft skills?

Developing essential soft skills is crucial for a successful IT management career. In a survey by Robert Half Technology, 67% of IT leaders emphasized that soft skills are as important, if not more so, than technical skills when hiring IT staff. These skills are not only vital for building trust and rapport but also for handling complex situations effectively. To enhance your soft skills, focus on improving communication, practicing active listening, fostering empathy, and refining leadership abilities such as decision-making and delegation. Regularly seek feedback, remain open to learning, and cultivate a positive work culture to stand out in the dynamic IT landscape where soft skills are often the key to success.

In the same way as everything in life, with practice, dedication and effort. Although some people are born with a natural predisposition in certain areas, soft skills can be learned and perfected. Here in Brazil there is a very famous phrase that says: "God does not choose those capable, he empowers or chosen".

I suggest to do some research on Emotion Intelligence by Daniel Goldman. EI is your ability to understand and mange your own and others emotions. The beauty of EQ is that you can develop it, you just have to do some inner research on where your strengths and weaknesses are. You can do this by doing personality tests, feedback, self-reflection etc.

To assess your soft skills effectively, utilize various methods such as self-reflection, online tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the DiSC Profile, and seek feedback from colleagues, managers, clients, or mentors. Self-reflection involves introspection on your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and challenges. Online tests measure personality traits and preferences. Feedback from others provides valuable insights into your interpersonal skills. Additionally, performance reviews from your organization offer formal evaluations, including ratings and suggestions, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of your soft skills and areas for improvement.

To enhance your soft skills, focus on three key strategies: practice, feedback, and learning. Practice involves applying your soft skills in real or simulated situations like meetings, presentations, negotiations, or conflicts. Seek feedback from peers, managers, coaches, or mentors to receive constructive criticism and valuable advice. Utilize various learning resources, including books, courses, podcasts, or webinars, to acquire new knowledge and skills. Consistent and continuous application of these methods is crucial for sustained improvement in your soft skills.

Utilize the SMART framework to effectively practice and enhance your soft skills. Define Specific goals, such as improving a particular aspect of communication like listening or speaking. Make your goals Measurable, using metrics like feedback requests or satisfaction levels to gauge progress. Ensure goals are Achievable, outlining the necessary resources and actions. Keep goals Relevant to your career or personal development. Lastly, set Time-bound objectives, establishing a structured and realistic timeline for practicing your soft skills.

Feedback is the MOST important driver of developing your soft skills, as by definition are mostly People Skills, both your own personality traits, and how you engage with other people. While you probably have a pretty good idea what soft skills you emphasize (usually your good ones) and soft skills you avoid (usually your weak ones), getting a 360 degree feedback from leaders, peers, and staff will help you understand what might be needed MOST for your current role.

Seeking feedback on your soft skills is crucial for growth and improvement. Overcome any apprehensions by proactively requesting feedback, making specific and focused inquiries, maintaining an open and receptive attitude, expressing gratitude for the feedback received, and taking actionable steps to implement the advice. Embracing feedback is a valuable step toward becoming a more effective IT manager and advancing in your career.

Learning new soft skills as an IT manager is a valuable investment in your professional development. To make the process more manageable, start by identifying your learning needs and goals. Choose from various learning methods and sources, including books, courses, podcasts, webinars, and mentorship. Establish a learning schedule and budget to dedicate time and resources regularly. Track your progress through quizzes, assignments, certificates, or feedback. Finally, apply your newfound knowledge to your work and share it with others, ensuring that you integrate these skills into your projects and daily interactions.

When navigating the dynamic landscape of IT management, staying curious and adaptable is key. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, as technology evolves rapidly. Don't underestimate the power of effective communication, both within your team and with stakeholders. Building strong relationships can often be as crucial as technical expertise. Additionally, prioritize a healthy work-life balance to ensure sustained productivity and creativity. Remember, IT management is not just about systems and processes; it's about understanding and empowering the people driving those processes. Stay agile, open to feedback, and ready to embrace change for long-term success in the ever-evolving IT domain.