Codding skills will get you the job; influence will give you the career

Tom Hendrickson is a seasoned software developer and IT professional who has built a successful career by mastering technical and soft skills. He began his professional journey in sales but quickly realized that his true passion was in technology. He decided to pursue a new path and earn a degree in software development. Over the years, Tom has worked with many tools and technologies and is particularly adept at working with Java. He is known for his ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with cross-functional teams. He has a wealth of experience in leading projects and is a respected thought leader in software development and IT. His experience includes working with companies of all sizes and industries, and he has a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions that meet the needs of his clients. He is an expert on how soft skills are essential for success in software development. With a deep understanding of the importance of building relationships, practicing empathy, and aligning communication, he has become a leading voice in the industry.

Tom Hendrickson stresses the importance of developing soft skills and building relationships to have a successful career in the field of information technology. He emphasizes that while coding skills are essential for getting a job, one's ability to influence and communicate effectively will lead to long-term career success. He also highlights the challenges of transitioning from a career in sales to a career in technology and the importance of learning and adapting to new technologies and tools. Additionally, he touches on the issue of dealing with difficult colleagues and the importance of addressing communication issues within a team.

In the early days of his career, Tom began as a sales rep but soon realized his true passion was technology. He made the switch to become a developer and quickly found success. However, he soon learned that coding skills alone were not enough to take him to the next level. The relationships he built and the ability to communicate and influence others helped him progress in his career.

Tom recounts when he was let go from a company due to a communication misstep. It was a wake-up call for him, and he realized he needed to focus on developing his soft skills to succeed in his career. He began to practice empathy, understanding, and effective communication, which helped him to build stronger relationships with his colleagues and managers.

As a team lead and manager, Tom has seen firsthand the importance of aligned communication and its positive impact on a team's performance. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing imposter syndrome, which many professionals in the field experience at some point in their careers.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a "fraud." It can cause inadequacy, self-doubt, and impostorism in individuals, despite their successes and qualifications. Imposter syndrome is a common experience among high-achievers and can occur in any field or profession. It is often accompanied by a fear of failure and a belief that others have an overestimated perception of the individual's abilities. The condition is not officially recognized as a disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) but is widely recognized as a natural phenomenon in the psychology community.

Tom encourages individuals to believe in themselves, practice self-care, and think about the new skills they have learned in the past and how they can apply them to their current roles. He has overcome imposter syndrome by focusing on building and developing his soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and understanding. He found that by practicing these skills, he gained more influence and, ultimately, more success in his career. Additionally, he looked back at his past experiences and the skills he had learned and realized he was more qualified for specific roles than he initially thought. He also believes in self-care and belief in oneself during challenging situations.

In conclusion, Tom Hendrickson stresses the importance of developing soft and technical skills to advance one's career. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, practicing aligned communication, and understanding the importance of empathy and understanding. Through his own experience, he learned the hard way that communication and relationships are just as important as technical skills to succeed in the industry. He also speaks to the everyday experience of imposter syndrome and the importance of believing in oneself and giving oneself the grace to overcome it. He encourages others to take the time to develop their soft skills and build relationships to achieve success in their careers. Overall, Tom's thoughts and advice highlight the importance of a well-rounded approach to career development and the need to focus on technical and soft skills to succeed in the Information Technology field.

You'll be able to listen to Tom's complete conversation here.