How can you balance tech and soft skills as a sysadmin?

3 Apply your skills in practice

The third step to balance your tech and soft skills is to put them into action in real-world situations. You can use projects, tasks, or scenarios to test your technical abilities and learn from your mistakes. You can also use interactions, meetings, or events to practice your soft skills and build your confidence. For example, you can volunteer to lead a team project, present a report, or organize a workshop. Or you can participate in a hackathon, a conference, or a networking session. By applying your skills in practice, you can demonstrate your value, improve your performance, and expand your network.

4 Seek feedback and improvement

The fourth step to balance your tech and soft skills is to seek feedback and improvement on a regular basis. You can use surveys, reviews, or ratings to measure your customer satisfaction, quality of service, or impact. You can also use conversations, emails, or surveys to solicit feedback from your managers, colleagues, or clients. For example, you can ask for specific and actionable suggestions on how to improve your technical documentation, customer service, or project management. Or you can request a formal or informal performance review to assess your progress and achievements.

5 Keep up with the trends

The fifth step to balance your tech and soft skills is to keep up with the trends and changes in your field and industry. You can use newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or magazines to stay informed about the latest developments, innovations, and challenges. You can also use webinars, courses, or events to learn about the emerging technologies, tools, or methodologies. For example, you can subscribe to a sysadmin newsletter, blog, or podcast to get updates on security, automation, or DevOps. Or you can enroll in a webinar, course, or event to learn about Kubernetes, Ansible, or AWS.

6 Balance your workload and well-being

The sixth step to balance your tech and soft skills is to balance your workload and well-being. You can use tools, processes, or strategies to manage your time, prioritize your tasks, and delegate your responsibilities. You can also use hobbies, activities, or routines to reduce your stress, relax your mind, and recharge your energy. For example, you can use a calendar, a to-do list, or a ticketing system to plan your schedule, track your progress, and communicate your status. Or you can use meditation, exercise, or music to cope with pressure, calm your nerves, and boost your mood.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?