

Soft Skills Engineering
Jamison Dance and Dave Smith
It takes more than great code to be a great engineer. Soft Skills Engineering is a weekly advice podcast for software developers about the non-technical stuff that goes into being a great software developer.
Episodes
Mentioned books

45 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 31min
Episode 444: Surrounded by apathetic coworkers and put it on my resume?
Frustrated with apathetic coworkers and legacy company cultures? Discover strategies for finding a vibrant team that aligns with your product-thinking passion. The discussion shifts to accurately reflecting technical skills on resumes, tackling the thin line between confidence and exaggeration. Learn about the impact of AI on job hunting and the need for concrete examples of proficiency. Plus, explore the common disconnect between self-assessed skills and reality in the competitive tech market.

67 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 36min
Episode 443: Does my PM hate me? and My coworker has anxiety when I help
Dive into the complexities of workplace dynamics as the hosts tackle feelings of being undervalued by a Product Manager who seems warm to others but cold to one team member. They also explore how to support junior engineers battling anxiety during mentoring sessions, emphasizing the importance of open communication and building trust. With a blend of humor and insight, they discuss personal biases, public recognition, and strategies to foster healthier collaborations in the workplace.

33 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 32min
Episode 442: Improving communication skills and how to break my job hopping habit
Discover how to enhance your communication skills while juggling computer science courses. The hosts dive into the art of clarity and effective messaging, sharing personal anecdotes along the way. Learn about the challenges of job hopping and the quest for satisfaction versus career advancement. They explore strategies to overcome the 'grass is greener' syndrome and emphasize the importance of finding fulfillment in your current role. Get ready for a blend of humor, insights, and practical advice!

12 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 23min
Episode 441: Will working in healthcare hurt my reputation and precious wisdom
The hosts tackle the challenges of considering job offers from large healthcare companies amid public scrutiny. They humorously weigh the impact of reputational risks against the desire for career advancement. A vivid discussion unfolds around aligning personal ethics with professional choices. The conversation also touches on the complexities faced when transitioning into new roles and the emotional undertones of inheriting legacy code. Plus, enjoy some light-hearted banter that keeps the mood lively and engaging!

24 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 37min
Episode 440: How do I help my boss not burn out and should I tell people I'm older than I am?
In this entertaining discussion, the hosts tackle the challenges of workplace stress, particularly about a manager on the brink of burnout. They share strategies for supporting stressed team members while respecting professional boundaries. The conversation shifts to humorous aspects of aging, exploring perceptions of youthfulness in the workplace and the quirks of having a 'baby face.' Personal anecdotes lighten the mood, as the speakers emphasize collaboration over rivalry among colleagues, regardless of age.

31 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 23min
Episode 439: Harried VP of Eng and first startup job
The hosts tackle the complexities of working under an overwhelmed leader, offering practical tips to navigate these challenging dynamics. They share insights on how an ineffective leader can hinder team progress and stress the importance of constructive feedback. The discussion shifts to the exciting yet daunting transition from a corporate job to a startup, highlighting the need for adaptability and proactive engagement. Listeners gain valuable strategies for integrating smoothly into a new, fast-paced work environment.

20 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 42min
Episode 438: Software job after prison and working 60 hours per week at age 20 and feeling unfulfilled
The conversation dives into the unique journey of learning to code while incarcerated and the challenges faced when reentering the tech job market. Personal connections and soft skills become crucial in overcoming societal stigma. A candid discussion ensues about the demanding work culture, with listeners reflecting on long hours and feelings of unfulfillment at a young age. The importance of balancing work commitments with personal relationships and meaningful life choices is emphasized, encouraging listeners to seek true satisfaction beyond career ambitions.

12 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 30min
Episode 437: My company canceled all one-on-ones and moving to a single backlog
The podcast dives into the impact of eliminating one-on-one meetings on junior employees' career growth and suggests proactive communication methods to navigate these changes. It humorously discusses transitioning to a single team backlog using Kanban, weighing the benefits against the challenges of moving from a rigid waterfall process. The hosts also explore the nuances of Kanban versus Scrum, emphasizing adaptability and strategies for integrating agile practices into existing workflows while addressing organizational resistance to change.

11 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 34min
Episode 436: Paralyzed by checkboxes and I'm on a "must keep happy" list
The discussion kicks off with a playful take on software jargon, highlighting the challenges of clear communication in tech. Listeners learn about the pitfalls of checkbox-driven development and its effects on creativity in reliability-focused environments. The speakers tackle blame culture in postmortems, stressing the need for accountability without fear. They also delve into corporate dynamics during organizational shifts, emphasizing teamwork and the nuances of aligning personal goals with management expectations. Humor and insights weave throughout, making it both entertaining and enlightening.

9 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 33min
Episode 435: How to make my boss actually do something and kindly shooting down
Delve into the complexities of navigating workplace dynamics with a resistant boss. The hosts explore the art of managing up while balancing technical responsibilities and team performance. Learn about the importance of clear communication, especially when delivering constructive feedback. They also indulge in whimsical discussions about the concept of a 'perfect computer' and the quirks of computational challenges. Plus, enjoy humorous reflections on supportive patrons that provide a light-hearted touch to the serious subject matter.


