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It seems like there are journey phases in consulting that parallel product management. With new PMs they want to learn the technical side, how to get software features built. Then they realize the importance of communication with developers, designers, customers, and business stakeholders in getting the right thing built. Without communication it’s tough to build software that’s desirable, feasible, and importantly - to keep the lights on - viable.

Communicating effectively is the heart of getting good work done.

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Very interesting. Somebody on Twitter was asking me today:

"I think of myself as pretty good relationally, but sometimes lack on the hard skills. Tough question but what would you say the split is between EQ/IQ skills in a management consultant role?"

My answer:

"I firmly believe in "soft skills", which aren't soft but hard as rock! The key point to understand is that soft skills only become important after you are known for something.

If you are all soft skills and no hard skills, then you are "wishy washy". Not valuable. Not irreplaceable. Not irresistible. A nice guy who probably will always have a job, but nothing more."

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Wow, provocative! How will they always have a job if they don't have the hard skills?

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You hire for attitude and train for skills. If you can't build up on the skills in teaching you, then what's next?

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