It's no secret that most engineers and technology experts are experienced in technical and analytical skills. We are all about going to classes or conferences where we can dive deep into learning specialized skills to better perform tasks in our respective fields.

However, while most engineer's natural strengths are geared toward technicality, many are weak in soft skills - the more interpersonal and intangible abilities including communication, negotiation, flexibility and teamwork.

Soft skills are often the key to moving up and getting paid more for what we do. While they may not be as fun to learn and develop, skills such as self-awareness and self-motivation are the keys to gaining influence and getting the engineering manager position you are looking for. Leadership is the key to getting influence, and soft skills are the key to leadership.

Here are three tips on how to sharpen your soft skills for technical or engineering management positions:

1. Know That You Can Operate the Machinery

First, accept that you need soft skills - and realize that you can learn and even enjoy learning them, even though they may be outside of your comfort zone.

How? Consider this an adventure to learn to operate the machinery. After all, people are just like machines with input and outputs. Unlike using a simple programming language to operate the controls, the interpersonal system operates on a complex set of dynamic relationships. We just have a more neural network than the logic sequential systems of more basic machines.

By applying a systems engineering viewpoint towards the people you work with, you will learn to work the levers and turn the knobs to get what you need. If you're looking for an opportunity to make the engineer to management transition, then up your game to learn how to work with people. We are, after all, the most complex system you can find.

2. Take a Break

Second, lighten up. Many of us take ourselves, our expert opinions and even our roles at work way too serious. Too many engineers and technologists come off as uptight and boring to the rest of the world.

Unlike technical and analytical skills, there is no perfect way to deliver or develop soft skills. Your effectiveness at a soft skill depends on your emotional state, external circumstances and even the people you interact with.

By taking a break, developing a positive attitude and challenging yourself to find areas to improve - you will still be making progress.

• Make a list of what drives, motivates, angers or inspires you.
• Look for opportunities to practice working with others.
• Observe when meetings are lead efficiently and effectively.
• Realize that having the willingness to make self-improvement is a soft skill in itself.

3. Start Where You Are

Finally, just start. Relax and have fun with it. Most importantly, be yourself.

If you feel insecure during the process of practicing and developing soft skills, know that everyone else has insecurities as well. Everyone from the boisterous coworker to the shy quiet types are insecure at times, they just show it differently.

You may be insecure in thinking that you are not good enough in the soft skills, or so insecure you cannot even admit that you are ever wrong. No one will expect you to develop soft skills overnight and no one will expect you to change who you are.

Some of the best people in networking and other soft skills are highly introverted and quiet, analytical and even brilliant engineers. But they are awesome with people. They have mastered people like they have mastered their technology. But they do it their own way, by being themselves. You can too.

Learn Today. Implement Tomorrow.

In our master's of engineering program the following classes of our information engineering management (IEM) curriculum uncover what soft skills are and help you put them into action in your current position.

In IEM 620 Technical Entrepreneurship, we explore how to truly understand the needs and concerns of those we serve, so that we can make sure we are delivering the results they need and in turn generating more money for us. It's all about people and learning the simple questions we can ask to get clarity in our work.

In IEM 610 Professional Communications, you will develop confidence in creating persuasive and interesting communications. We will show you how to make presentations and communications effective and memorable. You will also learn how to facilitate meetings and navigate the corporate communication culture.

In IEM 611 Project Management, you will develop the skills to work on teams with project leaders and project managers to get things done without losing your mind.

We Want to Help You Sharpen Your Soft Skills.

Whether you aren't sure if you have soft skills, or if they're just a little rusty - you can learn to get better results, and we want to help you see them. We would love to talk to you about the next steps of your career and how we can help you accomplish your goals. Use the form on this page to schedule a time to talk or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Let us help you find your path to a technical or engineering management career.