Still think only hard skills matter in IT? Think again. As remote work, global teams, and complex projects redefine how we build technology, soft skills in IT are becoming the glue that holds it all together.
In this conversation, Adriana Tynor, CHRO at People More, explains how to avoid soft skill gaps that can break even the most promising IT projects.
Let’s start with a simple but fundamental question – why is the perception that only hard skills matter in IT still so common?
That belief comes from how the tech industry evolved. For a long time, IT was seen as a purely technical domain. Lines of code, system configurations, algorithm optimization, and so on. Naturally, people assumed that technical expertise alone would define your value. And to some extent, that was true. Years ago, most tech roles were Individual Contributor (IC) roles with minimal client or cross-functional interaction.
But that’s not the case anymore. Today’s IT landscape is much more collaborative and business-driven. Developers don’t just build software in isolation. They work in product teams, communicate with stakeholders, navigate shifting priorities. Hard skills are your foundation, but soft skills in IT – like communication, adaptability, collaboration – are what let you apply your expertise effectively in real-world contexts. The stereotype that “tech people don’t need soft skills” is painly outdated.
So what changed? What factors have really brought soft skills to the forefront of IT?
Several forces converged. Remote work is a big one. When teams started working across time zones and cultures, suddenly clear communication became non-negotiable. Misunderstandings can cost time, money, and even compromise security.
Then there’s the increasing complexity of projects. Modern software solutions often involve multiple technologies, vendors, and business domains. That requires cross-functional collaboration – that falls under the label of soft skills in IT.
Also, with agile and DevOps practices becoming mainstream, we’ve moved away from waterfall-style silos. Developers, testers, analysts, and operations now work as a team. That only works when they can trust each other and be communicative.
And finally, the rise of leadership paths in IT – like Engineering Managers, Tech Leads, Product Owners. Technical professionals are expected to coach, influence, and support others. That requires emotional intelligence, not just technical IQ.
How do you define the relationship between hard skills and soft skills in IT? Is it a balance, or does one eventually outweigh the other?
It’s all about synergy. Think of hard skills as your passport – they get you into the room. But soft skills determine what happens once you’re there.
You can be the best backend developer in the company, but if you can’t explain your ideas clearly or take feedback well your contribution becomes limited. On the other hand, being a great communicator without technical depth won’t get you far either.
That’s why we don’t talk about hard skills vs soft skills. We talk about hard skills and soft skills. The combination is what makes someone not just a great specialist, but a valuable team member and future leader.
What risks do companies face when they neglect soft skills in their tech teams?
They risk a lot more than they think. Poor communication can lead to unclear requirements and costly rework. A lack of empathy can create friction between teams. An absence of assertiveness might cause developers to say "yes" to everything, even when it's technically impossible.
I’ve seen great projects fail not because of poor tech choices, but because people couldn’t resolve conflict and handle pressure together. Toxic behavior – arrogance, blame-shifting, lack of accountability – can silently destroy team morale.
On the flip side, when teams are built on mutual respect and emotional safety, they solve problems faster, innovate more, retain talent better. That’s why ignoring soft skills in IT is never a smart thing to do.
How do you help tech professionals at People More build those skills?
We treat soft skills development as part of professional growth, not as an optional add-on.
We focus on real-life scenarios and coach people through difficult conversations, and create space for reflection after major projects. Soft skills in IT can’t be “taught” in theory; they develop through experience, awareness, and feedback.
Sometimes, the best growth happens when a developer sees how a colleague handles a tough stakeholder call or facilitates a productive sprint planning session. The message we send is simple: technical excellence is important, but if you want to grow – soft skills are your edge.
That ties nicely to my final question – as AI and automation reshape roles, what’s the long-term future of soft skills in IT?
That’s actually where soft skills become more important, not less. Automation can write code, test APIs, deploy environments. But it can’t understand a frustrated client. It can’t mediate a team conflict. It can’t lead change in an organization resisting transformation.
As machines take over repeatable tasks, human skills become our biggest assets. The ability to adapt and learn becomes a differentiator.
Technologies will change. Tools will come and go. But strong interpersonal skills will remain your best long-term investment.
I think we’ve learned a lot about connecting hard skills and soft skills and why it’s so important. Thanks for the conversation!
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