

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

Jul 15, 2024 • 31min
Episode 417: Should I tell my boss I'm checked out and how do I deal with a PM who has no idea what he's doing?
Topics discussed include how to handle demotivation at work, dealing with an inexperienced Product Manager, challenges in Product Management, and the consequences of murder in the workplace. The hosts also mention the importance of communication, teamwork, and audience participation.

Jul 8, 2024 • 24min
Episode 416: My boss wants me to build dark patterns and getting promoted without writing code
Podcast discusses the ethical dilemma of implementing dark patterns in products to prevent cancellations. Also covers a listener's challenge of getting promoted without writing code, exploring the distinctions between principal engineers and technical managers in corporate settings.

Jul 1, 2024 • 29min
Episode 415: I got a low raise and merging teams
Topics discussed include navigating low raises and corporate salary policies, challenges of changing the pay band system in a company, managing raises in large companies, merging teams with different product owners, and optimizing team merging for engineering velocity.

Jun 24, 2024 • 32min
Episode 414: Hot-headed PM and leaving without downgrading
The podcast discusses how to handle hot-headed project managers and extreme criticism in the workplace. It delves into strategies for dealing with aggressive behavior and navigating workplace dynamics. Additionally, it explores the benefits of using Datadog observability tools in SaaS projects and provides insights on assessing company culture during job interviews.

Jun 17, 2024 • 32min
Episode 413: Is my interview candidate cheating and my product owner is getting WRECKED by the client
Discussion on how to handle suspected cheating in technical interviews without assuming misconduct, addressing challenges with product owners overwhelmed by client demands, and strategies for managing client expectations effectively

Jun 10, 2024 • 33min
Episode 412: Work-life-team balance and getting code-sniped
The podcast discusses work-life balance differences within a tech team and negotiating boundaries with non-tech colleagues. It also explores challenges faced by a new backend developer regarding code quality and continuous task additions during sprints. The hosts emphasize clear communication, setting boundaries, and utilizing observability tools like Datadog for monitoring in SaaS projects.

Jun 3, 2024 • 35min
Episode 411: We have a secret org chart and I'm a big fish in a little pond
Explore the hidden org chart complexities in a startup formed by a corporate giant. From multiple management layers to power struggles and the chaos of unofficial titles, learn about the challenges of navigating a seemingly flat hierarchy. Uncover the humorous opportunities for job crafting and the clash of work cultures within a small team environment. Delve into the nuances of informal hierarchies, middle management roles, and the importance of team dynamics in mitigating critical person risk for operational stability.

May 27, 2024 • 34min
Episode 410: Guaranteed cost-of-living raises and my manager doesn't like me
Topics include stagnant wages, cost-of-living raises, dealing with unsupportive managers, and biases in front-end work. The hosts also touch on performance-based raises, negotiating salaries, and using Data Dog for code observability. Humorous anecdotes and practical insights make for an engaging discussion.

May 20, 2024 • 28min
Episode 409: Fancy title to IC and CRUD is crud
Transitioning from a senior role to an IC position at a new company, handling the excitement of game development passion vs. mundane software tasks, and exploring the challenges and rewards of indie game development

May 13, 2024 • 34min
Episode 408: Terrible retrospectives and "hard to work with"
The hosts discuss challenges in scrum methodologies faced by a new DevOps engineer in Europe, particularly their aversion to retrospectives. They explore the dynamics of blaming in retros, the struggle of moderating them without belief, and the importance of focusing on process improvements over finger-pointing. The episode also touches on the impact of toxic labels like 'hard to work with' in the workplace and the value of feedback and mentorship.


