“In a high IQ Job pool, soft-skills like discipline, drive, and empathy mark those who emerge as outstanding.” -Daniel Goleman.
While working as an IT professional for more than two decades, I have made a few observations that I would like to share. When entering from college campus to the corporate world, it is very important to have traits and qualities such as being punctual, learning new things and skills, being flexible, and adjust to all situations. I still remember, when one of my friends was interviewed at a Multi-National Company, she was not aware of the full form of that company’s main product. However, she managed to pass the multiple rounds of interviews based on her people skills and soft skills. Later on, we found out that the company’s policy was to give equal weightage to technical skills and soft-skills. These are the skills that come from the human mind. Technology can never replace the human mind and emotions. Successful developers and engineers have a few things in common – the right attitude, being punctual, effective communication skills, self-awareness, and self-management.
Why do soft skills matter?
Soft skills help an individual with exceptional technical skills to become more empathetic and understanding as a leader. It empowers an employee to stand strong in dynamically changing situations of the industry.
During challenging times, an employee can remain productive and efficient in the virtual world. Soft skills such as time management, communication skills, presentation skills play a key role. These skills can be improved with practice.
To cope up in the era of robotics and Artificial Intelligence, these are the skills that will differentiate humans from a machine.
Which are the key soft skills required?
How to say ‘Yes’ at work and reprioritize:
While working in teams, developers get assigned tasks by the leaders or project manager. You might be allocated with additional work even if you have enough workload. It can happen due to new customer requirements coming in. It is considered a bad idea to always say no when you are assigned a task. Here are a few thoughts on how to say yes and reprioritize in the professional environment.
- Ask yourself a question – What is it for? Can I do this? etc. before saying No
- Check whether your teammate can take up the same task?
- Ask your manager that if I take up this additional work, another low priority task may get delayed, would that be okay?
- Change in priority is better than saying No
Empathy:
As a developer, while you are busy with coding, testing, and releasing the software, spending some time to get to know and understand others (teammates, customers) can make a difference in the final product.
While writing a code, think about the end-user’s point of view. A few lines of the code will create a new feature for your product and, it is a tool for the customer, be mindful and aware of the customer’s pain areas. Pay close attention to the feedback from the customer so as you can implement those required changes immediately.
Before you start to write a code, ask more questions about the requirements, understand the detailed specifications, discuss the same with other team members and then write the code. Being empathetic with your peers will help you build a good relationship with your teammates. Try to see from the (tester, designer, project manager) eyes regarding the requirements, specifications, deadlines, etc it helps a lot in understanding the final product output.
Agility:
Agile thinkers see things from a fresh mind, have good mental health, unbiased, and are willing to take risks, with a commitment to deliver better quality products and services.
Agility means responding to a change quickly and delivering products as per the customer’s requirement.
A few decades ago, most organizations used to follow the Waterfall Model of product development. Nowadays, organizations follow the Agile Methodology. The Waterfall Model was process-oriented, whereas the Agile methodology is people-oriented. It focuses on working on the most crucial thing first with a calm mind, being transparent within the team, being adaptive to the change in uncertain situations. In change over from Waterfall to Agile Methodology, some organizations could transition easily, while some organizations partially implemented the Agile Methodology and, some organizations failed to adapt to the changes.
Celebrate failures, team collaboration and, continuous learning are the features of the Agile method.
Working in the Hybrid Model:
In 2021, many organizations have adapted to the Hybrid Model of work for the employees. It is the best model for developers to keep the balance between professional and personal life.
- Keep the workspace and personal space separate
- Plan in advance when you will be working from home and in the office
- While working from home, plan for the crisis such as; network failure, unavoidable situations, surrounding noise, etc
- Keep an eye on your productivity
Communication Skills:
Communication skills are one of the vital skills for a developer. Most individuals consider themselves as good communicators, however working on the communication skills can help as mentioned below:
- Communicate better within the team
- Be mindful and use proper jargon, short forms in chat rooms
- Report the right problem at the right time
- Know and understand the product’s technical specification properly
- Ask for the required change in priority
- Build a good relationship with the other departments/teams
- Listening to everyone is also helpful while making a decision
- Self-advocate and make their point in a convincing manner
Time-management:
Developers need to manage time irrespective of the method of software development. Developers feel stressed in managing their time due to priority changes, new features to be developed, and resolving bugs/issues.
- Some tips to follow:
- Explore new tools to manage time and maintain a schedule
- Evaluate and implement it as per the requirement of the company
- Obstacles in the office environment such as; unplanned meetings, power failure, server failure, etc. Be assertive and learn to say No to all types of disturbances
- Always learn processes first and follow them accordingly
- Follow the same method of software development to avoid waste of time and frustration among team members
- Follow the Pomodoro Technique for managing time
- You can be more productive only if you have some buffer time for any surprises. Keep some extra minutes while allotting time for tasks and a to-do list
To conclude, soft skills can play an essential role in how you work and interact with others. Be flexible and open-minded while following the Agile Methodology. Focus on solutions rather than problems. Whenever there is a conflict with your colleague, come to a win-win solution. Be ready to accept the new challenges and learn new things as technology is changing very fast. Value your mentors and keep a good relationship with them. Keep a positive attitude in addition to your hard skills.
Other vital skills for beginners in the software development field are; problem-solving, leadership skills, patience, writing & drawing skills, adaptability, and analytical skills.
Sources:
- Quote:
https://www.brainyquote.com/lists/authors/top-10-daniel-goleman-quotes - Changed priorities:
http://brendan-regan.com/how-to-prioritize-your-online-testing-roadmap/ - Empathy:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/10/well/live/how-to-y-in-children.htmlfoster-empath - Agile mindset:
https://lukkrz.medium.com/how-to-get-started-with-scrum-11-steps-to-kick-off-your-agile-journey-51bef8740d71 - Work from home:
https://preyproject.com/blog/en/what-we-learned-about-communicating-from-working-in-a-hybrid-remote-office-for-10-years/
This stage of the competition brings together the fittest athletes from totally different regions to battle it out for a chance to compete in the CrossFit Video Games. But have you ever wondered how many teams from each region get to advance to the following level? Simply like another sport or health competitors, Crossfit regionals have what are generally often recognized as "goats." Goats are weaknesses or areas that athletes struggle with throughout exercises. These could possibly be particular movements or abilities that an athlete finds difficult to perform or keep at excessive depth ranges. Since then, it has become a extremely anticipated event among CrossFit athletes and fans alike. Focus on technique – In competitions like the Open or On-line Qualifier the place video submission is required, correct method can play a big position in scoring. Apply restoration – Restoration is just as essential as coaching itself to find a way to perform at your finest. Make certain you might be correctly fueling your body with nutritious meals and getting enough relaxation. Pay Attention to your body – As mentioned earlier, staying injury-free is essential. Be aware of any indicators of overtraining or potential damage and make needed adjustments in your coaching. In conclusion, qualifying for Crossfit Regionals isn't any easy feat and requires dedication, discipline, exhausting work, and a stable coaching plan. It is important to do not overlook that qualifying for Regionals isn't the top goal but quite a stepping stone in course of attaining larger success in the sport of Crossfit. Crossfit Regionals test a variety of abilities – from power and endurance to hurry and agility. Subsequently, athletes who aspire to make it to this intermediate competition should prepare with this in thoughts. In addition to being physically ready, athletes must even be mentally prepared to tackle the grueling workouts that await them at Regionals. CrossFit Regionals are an intermediate degree of competition that bridge the gap between the CrossFit Open and the CrossFit Video Games. These regional competitions deliver together the highest athletes from specific geographical areas, testing their health and pushing them to their limits. The athletes compete in a series of challenging exercises designed to measure their strength, endurance, and total fitness. This event showcases some of the fittest individuals and groups from all over the world, pushing their physical limits and psychological fortitude. Crossfit Regionals function an necessary intermediate competition for athletes striving to qualify for the final word test of fitness – the Crossfit Games. To qualify for these regional occasions, people should take part within the annual Crossfit Open and earn a top spot amongst thousands of different athletes worldwide. Whether Or Not it’s engaged on weaknesses or specializing in particular skills, make certain every coaching session has a goal. The CrossFit Regionals have been round since 2009 and have developed into a extremely aggressive and intense occasion. Originally, there have been solely 9 areas however as the sport has grown in popularity, more regions have been added. As of 2019, there are actually 18 areas with tons of of athletes competing for a spot at the CrossFit Video Games. One frequent query amongst CrossFit fanatics is what quantity of athletes qualify from each area to compete at the CrossFit Video Games. The CrossFit Video Games group allocates a particular number of spots to every area based on these components. Crossfit Regionals is a competitive occasion where prime Crossfit athletes compete to advance to the annual Crossfit Video Games. To qualify, you should first compete in and rank high sufficient in the Crossfit Open. The number of qualifiers varies based mostly on the area and the overall variety of athletes competing. This means they must use a registered judge at an affiliate or post an official video submission. The 10 CrossFit Semifinal events are seeded with qualifying athletes from every continent. If you’re wondering who qualifies for CrossFit Regionals and how the qualification course of works, you’ve come to the proper place. In this ultimate guide, we'll explain the standards and eligibility requirements for collaborating in CrossFit Regionals. Crossfit Regionals is a regional-level competition the place the top athletes compete for an opportunity to advance to the annual Crossfit Video Games. To qualify, you have to first participate in and rank excessive sufficient in the online Crossfit Open competition. These workouts are carefully designed to test the athletes’ energy, endurance, and overall fitness. Drug testing is required for any particular person athlete or staff to advance to the Games or to collect prizes. Competitors care about how they place relative to their peers at their Regional, since that’s what determines what number of factors they earn and the place they’ll rank in the overall standings. Claiming first in an event earns an athlete 100 points, second earns 95 points, third 90, fourth 85, fifth eighty and sixth 75. The scale then drops by 2-point increments for seventh via 30th, and then by 1-point increments from 30th via fiftieth. The athlete with probably the most factors will declare first in the overall standings; the highest five athletes total at the end of the weekend earn the right to advance to the CrossFit Games. All Regional competitors face the same exercises, whether or not they’re in Del Mar, California, or Madrid, Spain. It is important to determine weaknesses early on in training and work particularly on bettering them. This may imply spending extra time on certain actions or incorporating further accessory work into programming. Can I nonetheless compete at Regionals if I can't perform all of the required movements? The workouts on the CrossFit Regionals are intense and demanding. Athletes face a sequence of events over the course of a weekend, testing their energy, endurance, agility, and talent throughout varied disciplines. These workouts are designed to problem the athletes in different ways, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their health talents. The programming is challenging and various, ensuring that solely the fittest athletes advance to the CrossFit Games. To qualify, the Regional rivals have to prove they're their region’s fittest athletes by competing within the five-week, five-workout on-line Open and ending well in the overall standings. The number of athletes who qualify from every region varies and the 18 areas feed into nine Regional competitions, as damaged down beneath. Over 250,000 athletes registered worldwide, showcasing the rising reputation of the game. Nonetheless, only a fraction of those athletes would transfer on to the CrossFit Semifinals. The quantity of your coaching leading up to the competition will also impact your relaxation wants. If you’ve been training at a high quantity, it may be beneficial to take a longer relaxation interval to allow your physique to fully recover. Brooke Wells, a well known CrossFit athlete, has been absent from recent CrossFit competitions. While the precise causes for her absence aren't publicly disclosed, it's speculated that injuries or private circumstances may be contributing factors. In latest years, the format of the CrossFit Video Games has undergone some adjustments. Previously, athletes would compete within the Open, followed by the Regionals, after which the Games. Nevertheless, starting in 2021, the Regionals have been replaced with Semifinals. This exercise is very related to the 100′s exercise featured at the 2011 Regionals, only on paper, it seems to be even harder! This workout is very similar to the 100’s workout featured at the 2011 Regionals, only on paper, it seems to be even harder! During the CrossFit Open, members complete the designated workouts and submit their scores online. These scores are then ranked on both a world and regional degree, permitting athletes to see how they stack up in opposition to others in their area. The CrossFit Open is an annual competitors organized by CrossFit Inc. It serves as the first stage in the CrossFit Games season, allowing athletes worldwide to participate and test their fitness in opposition to a series of difficult exercises. The Open sometimes takes place over five weeks, with a brand new exercise introduced each week. Athletes should qualify through native competitions before earning the opportunity to compete of their respective training zones. When it comes to CrossFit, the regional competitions play a vital position in figuring out the athletes who will transfer on to the celebrated CrossFit Video Games. Understanding the breakdown of those CrossFit regions is important for both athletes and followers alike. CrossFit has gained immense reputation in recent years, attracting fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life. One of the most exciting and challenging elements of CrossFit is the aggressive factor, the place athletes showcase their skills and abilities in various competitions. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of CrossFit Regionals, providing you with a complete information to understanding this thrilling event. The CrossFit Regionals are the next step for athletes who efficiently full the CrossFit Open. However, CrossFit Inc. made vital changes to the competitive structure in current years. As of 2021, the CrossFit Regionals have been replaced by the CrossFit Semifinals. This new stage is more unique, with fewer athletes advancing compared to the earlier Regional format. The high athletes or groups from this stage then move on to compete at their respective regional events where they will battle it out in opposition to other top competitors in their region. The number of athletes or groups that advance from this stage varies relying on the region’s dimension and how many spots they've obtainable for the CrossFit Video Games. In addition to physical energy and endurance, agility and speed play a major function through the regionals. Competitors should have the power to maneuver rapidly and effectively via various movements, similar to box jumps, burpees, rope climbs, and handstand walks. Being nimble and having excellent body management are important for success at regionals. CrossFit Regionals is an exciting occasion where the fittest athletes from different areas compete for an opportunity to qualify for the CrossFit Games. Seek steering from skilled rivals and coaches to optimize your probabilities of making it to the CrossFit Video Games. Nonetheless, it is estimated that around the top 10% of athletes in each region, based mostly on their Open rankings, will advance to the Semifinals. Be prepared for intense workouts that can take a look at your bodily and psychological limits. CrossFit Regionals are identified for pushing athletes to their most potential. The number of groups from each region that advance to the CrossFit Video Games depends on various components, together with the dimensions and competitiveness of the region. CrossFit Regionals are a highly anticipated event on the planet of CrossFit. It is a prestigious competition that brings together the fittest athletes from every region to compete in opposition to one another. The top opponents from each region then transfer on to the CrossFit Video Games, the place they battle it out for the title of "Fittest on Earth". Are you looking to take your CrossFit training to the next stage by competing within the highly coveted Regionals? If you’re wondering how precisely one qualifies for this pinnacle occasion, you’re not alone. This demands a well-conditioned athlete who can maintain going at high depth ranges throughout the competitors. Earlier Than we delve into the number of teams from every area, let’s have a quick overview of how CrossFit group competitions work. In a staff competition, a bunch of athletes competes together to complete a collection of exercises. These workouts check various aspects of fitness, including energy, endurance, agility, and more. When it involves CrossFit competitions, one of the thrilling events is the CrossFit Regionals. It’s now time to determine who will advance to the following stage of the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Video Games season. Multiyear partnership will assist athletes in any respect levels profit from biometric information on training, sleep, and restoration. Each women and men use the empty 45-pound bar, so we’ll be capable of examine athletes’ fitness, not just throughout regions, but in addition throughout genders. The qualification process for the CrossFit Semifinals varies depending in your region. It is essential to know the particular necessities and prepare accordingly.
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