Why Your Tech Skill Is Not Enough!

Having strong technical skills is great but it’s not enough.

Think of a top chef who can cook amazing meals but doesn’t know how to treat customers or manage a team. 

No matter how skilled they are, they’ll struggle to succeed. 

The same applies in tech.

A study found that 67% of HR managers reject candidates due to a lack of soft skills. 

So, if you want to land (and keep) your dream job, mastering these skills is just as important as your technical expertise.

Here are five essential soft skills to grow your career:

1. Communication 

It isn’t just about speaking, it’s about ensuring your message is understood.

Imagine trying to explain a project update to your team, but half of them leave the meeting confused. 

Poor communication slows down progress, causes mistakes, and leads to frustration. 

Communication is a two-way thing.

It involves listening and speaking.

There are times when you need to listen and be mute.

And there are times you need to speak in such a way that people can clearly understand.

Whether you're writing an email, leading a meeting, or giving feedback, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively makes your work easier and more impactful.

2 Collaboration 

It’s what turns a group of individuals into a high-performing team. 

No one succeeds in isolation, and the best teams know how to share ideas, support each other, and work toward a common goal. 

Think about a time when you had to rely on someone else to complete a task.

If they weren’t responsive or willing to work together, it likely made your job harder. 

But when teams collaborate well, they solve problems faster, make better decisions, and create stronger results. 

Being a great team player makes work more enjoyable, as well as more efficient and productive.

3. Accountability 

It’s about owning your responsibilities, both your successes and your mistakes. 

Have you ever worked on a team where someone didn’t follow through on their tasks, causing delays for everyone else? 

A lack of accountability slows down projects, creates frustration, and damages trust. 

When you take responsibility for your work, it shows reliability and professionalism. 

It also means being open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and continuously improving. 

4. Adaptability 

It is the key to staying relevant in a constantly changing industry. 

What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, and those who can adjust quickly will always have the advantage. 

Think about how businesses had to rapidly shift to remote work overnight—those who adapted smoothly kept things running, while those who resisted change struggled. 

Whether it's learning a new tool, adjusting to a company restructuring, or dealing with unexpected challenges, being flexible and open to change makes you a valuable asset in any organization.

5. Problem-Solving 

It’s what helps businesses grow and innovate. 

Every job comes with challenges whether it’s fixing a broken process, dealing with a difficult customer, or finding a more efficient way to do something. 

Those who can think critically, analyze situations, and come up with solutions are the ones who drive progress. 

These skills don’t just help you in your career.

They improve how you work, how your team functions, and how successful you become. 

If you don’t actively develop them, you’ll miss out on opportunities to grow and make a bigger impact.

These skills aren’t brought from the womb but properly developed and learnt.

I’ve given you the tools to succeed, now the ball is in your court to develop them.

See you soon.

Prof. Temi Akinwumi
CEO, My IT University