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communication skills

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There are often an “excellent communication skills” demand
in job demands for programmers.

From my restricted experience I know
that programmers are rather bad communicator,
except with other programmers and about their programs.

So what does the demand mean?

Is programmer supposed
to work at help desk, to be native or something else?

Should the skill be the same as journalist, priesthood,
and politicians have?

And how can a firm benefit from the skill?

Sergey.

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communication skills

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I think it simply means that companies see value in a programmer who also speaks one of the human languages fluently. Companies only tolerate the “brilliant-arrogant-sullen-wants to live in a closet-hates people” type of employee because that’s what they have been able to find. Given a choice between that employee and one who is outgoing, friendly and openly communicative, they will most often choose the latter.

The company can benefit from the skill because the best software, in my experience, comes out of direct interaction between the programmers and the users. But if all you have is the nerd-social misfit model of programmer, you have to put someone in the middle to translate and you lose that direct interaction.

I don’t see it so much of a demand as a hope.

regards!

paul

communication skills

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communication skills

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communication skills

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The communications skills request in job requirements usually refers to social skills. How well does the programmer get along with others? It does not imply a requirement to work a help desk nor be a native speaker.

Most real world software projects are too big for a single person. They involve multiple people and often multiple departments. Open and friendly communication between people is needed for the task to succeed.

You don’t have to have an outgoing personality, just be friendly. A shy but friendly person can often be a better communicator than a loud, talkative person. Friendliness is the key.

communication skills

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communication skills

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