It’s time to talk about emotional intelligence in tech
When you think about the skills needed for a career in IT, what comes to mind? Most likely, it’s technical expertise—coding languages, system architecture, data security. But there’s a quieter revolution happening in the tech world that’s starting to make waves: soft skills.
A decade ago, technical skills were considered the Holy Grail for IT professionals. If you could code, configure, and troubleshoot like a pro, your career would soar. But times have changed. Today, the IT landscape is looking for more than just technical prowess. Emotional intelligence, communication, and adaptability are all becoming as vital as knowing Python or managing a cloud infrastructure.
The truth is that in 2025, a solid grasp of soft skills is what sets tech professionals apart. So let’s dive into why these skills are so important and how they can transform your career trajectory.
What Are Soft Skills, Anyway?
You’ve probably heard the term “soft skills” before, but what does it really mean in the context of IT?
Soft skills are the personal attributes, attitudes, and social abilities that enable you to work and interact effectively with others. These include:
- Communication: The ability to convey information clearly and effectively, whether it’s through email, team meetings, or documentation.
- Adaptability: Being open to new ideas, technologies, and changes, and adjusting your approach accordingly.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as empathise with others. It’s about being able to navigate tricky interpersonal situations with grace.
- Collaboration: Working effectively within diverse teams, often in a fast-paced and cross-functional environment.
- Problem-Solving: Not just about solving technical issues but thinking creatively to overcome obstacles, especially when solutions aren’t straightforward.
In other words, these are the skills that allow you to thrive in any environment—not just when coding or troubleshooting, but also when dealing with a difficult client or collaborating with colleagues from different departments.
Why Soft Skills Are Gaining Ground in IT
Let’s face it—when you think of an IT professional, you might picture someone head-down, working with their computer all day, rarely speaking to others. And, while many IT roles may have involved isolation in the past, today’s roles are more collaborative than ever.
1. Tech Is More Collaborative Than Ever Before
As companies become more agile and cross-functional, the need for teamwork and effective communication has grown exponentially. IT professionals aren’t just building software in silos anymore—they’re often working with teams in marketing, sales, customer service, and more to create user-friendly products, manage digital projects, or resolve client issues.
Think about DevOps—it’s a prime example of how technical and non-technical teams must collaborate seamlessly. DevOps professionals need not only an understanding of programming and system administration but also strong communication skills to bridge the gap between development and operations teams.
2. The Rise of Remote Work
Another big shift that’s putting soft skills front and centre is the rise of remote work. In a virtual work environment, communication is key. Misunderstandings can easily happen when people aren’t in the same room, which makes emotional intelligence, clarity in communication, and adaptability even more critical.
As a result, hiring managers are increasingly seeking professionals who can manage virtual teams, navigate digital collaboration tools, and foster trust and cooperation from a distance.
3. Client-Facing Roles and Customer Experience
Customer-facing roles in IT, such as IT support specialists, cybersecurity consultants, or project managers, require more than just technical expertise. They also demand a high degree of empathy and effective communication.
When a client has a system failure, they’re not just looking for someone to fix the issue—they’re looking for someone who can communicate clearly and reassure them that everything will be okay. As the world becomes more tech-savvy, IT professionals with strong soft skills can help demystify complex tech concepts for clients, fostering a better customer experience.
The Real Impact of Soft Skills on IT Careers
Let’s move away from theory for a moment and look at the real-world benefits of soft skills in tech.
1. Career Advancement
Soft skills play a significant role in career progression. While technical skills are essential for landing that first job or building a foundation, it’s often soft skills that help you climb the career ladder.
Take leadership roles, for example. Whether you’re managing a small development team or heading up a large IT department, your ability to motivate, communicate, and empathise with your team will ultimately determine your success. The more you can manage conflict, coach your colleagues, and build strong working relationships, the more likely you are to rise within the company.
2. Building Trust with Stakeholders
Whether you’re working in-house for a company or providing consultancy services, you’ll often have to deal with stakeholders. These could be department heads, project managers, clients, or even investors. The ability to build and maintain trust is crucial.
With emotional intelligence, you can read the room, adjust your communication style, and understand the unspoken concerns of your stakeholders, which is invaluable when it comes to building long-lasting professional relationships.
3. Improved Problem-Solving
Soft skills are also tied to your ability to solve problems creatively. Many IT problems are not straightforward. They require lateral thinking, brainstorming, and team collaboration to find the best solutions.
When you have strong interpersonal skills, you’re more likely to bounce ideas around, get valuable feedback from others, and approach problems from multiple angles. This can lead to quicker, more effective resolutions.
How You Can Develop Soft Skills
Great news: soft skills are learnable. They may not be as tangible as technical skills like coding, but they can still be honed with practice. Here are some strategies for improving your soft skills:
- Take Communication Workshops: Whether it’s learning how to present to a group, write better emails, or negotiate with clients, communication is one of the most valuable soft skills. Many online platforms offer workshops, and even books and podcasts can offer tips.
- Volunteer for Cross-Functional Projects: If you’re stuck in a technical silo, look for opportunities to collaborate with other departments. You’ll learn how to communicate with non-tech colleagues, improving your adaptability and collaborative skills.
- Practice Active Listening: Whether it’s during a team meeting or a conversation with a client, active listening helps you respond more thoughtfully. It’s all about really hearing what others are saying—and asking follow-up questions that show you care.
- Seek Feedback: Soft skills can be harder to self-assess. Ask colleagues or mentors for constructive feedback on your communication, adaptability, and teamwork. They’ll give you insight into where you can improve.
Final Thoughts: The Future of IT Is Human
As the world of technology continues to evolve, the importance of soft skills in IT cannot be overstated. Technical expertise is still critical—but the value of an IT professional who can communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and work collaboratively is undeniable.
The IT industry is becoming more human—and those who can combine their technical know-how with strong interpersonal skills will stand out. So, take a moment to think about how you can develop your soft skills. They may just be the key to unlocking your next big career move.
