I read a LinkedIn post recently that made the argument that tech leaders should stop focusing on their tech skills and start developing their EQ skills to be a true leader.

What say you? Can tech leaders be both technically advanced as well as creating a psychologically safe work environment? Or is it an either or situation?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Agree with the post. At exec leadership levels, soft skills overshadow hard skills because your work becomes managing/leading people instead of tools or processes. Rarely ever an either-or situation when you work with people.

like

It’s not totally either or, but time is your most valuable resource so you have to spend it wisely. The level of technical depth required to be an effectively leader is lower, but you still need an understanding of bigger picture principles, frameworks, architecture, process, etc becomes more important. I think another underrated facet of leadership is accepting that you are leading people with greater technical depth than you, so how do you win their trust, leverage their abilities, push them by asking the right questions, etc. A lot of folks who are used to being the technical expert struggle to adapt to the humility and loss of control that comes with leading experts.

like

The best leaders usually have both. Employees respect a good leader with excellent EQ skills but also respect someone who can jump in and get their hands “dirty” as well.

A person with a high EQ generally has more empathy and understanding when they know what it takes to do a job.Its almost like, I wouldn’t ask you to do a job that I wouldn’t do myself.

like

I think this makes sense if you are one or two levels up with IC direct reports. Above that, you are managing managers and should really never be “getting your hands dirty”.

Your war stories from wrangling whatever outdated technology will give you street cred, but nobody expects you to keep up those skills.

like

Related Posts

With a referral is it possible to get into Strategic Finance at a start up? 4-5 YOE in business strategy and PnL ownership, analysis etc. but no real Finance/Accounting experience so wondering if it’s even feasible?

like

How to move into executive leadership? I’m a mid-40s former MBBer with, I think, an impressive and diverse resume. I think I’m suitable for an executive leadership role, but unsure about how to pursue one. Any suggestions? Career coach? Headhunters? Cold “calls”? Thanks!

like

Hi! I have 9yoe in startup, hyper growth environments. I have a strong customer Quality Assurance process improvement background. I want to shift into becoming more of an IC vs people manager. With that in mind, what steps would get me there? Should I consider a PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification? Any other ideas? I feel so stuck and need a change. Thank you!

like

MBB folks, I’m a Product Manager (non-tech company) and interested in working at MBB.

Which level/role does MBB can offer me ?

like

How would you rank in order of prestige/ease of getting in: UCLA, Cornell, and NYU ??

Looking to transition to MBB if that matters.

Currently looking, and I’ve had a few recruiters/shops reach out to me, but they’re all looking to fill Sr.AD roles. Problem is, I’m trying to move up to ACD. Do I change my title to ACD on LinkedIn?

like

Dear Partners-
Have any of you switched firms to make P? Worth it? Tips? Have always planned to make at my firm, but my firm isn’t keeping up their end of the deal, so I’m job hunting....

like

Is there a "too old" stage to pursue a master's? Currently 25, 3 YOE

like

I joined pwc sdc bangalore as a fresher right after my college (my very first job). I was scrolling the bowl, I noticed a lot of people switching jobs from different companies to pwc. Is that even I would encounter some day, or I should stick in here and grow smoothly.Don't get me wrong,I'm trying to align myself.I asked my one year seniors from college, they told people struggle to reach big4.Y u even asking this.. Please pardon me if I sound stupid.Please guide me as ur younger brother, how should I proceed. Please.

like

Can anybody help me understand the levels of 'solution consultants' at ServiceNow? I see open jobs for 'Advisory SC', 'Inside. SC', etc.

Salary/OTE for these titles would be beneficial as well..

Thanks!

like

Hi, m 3d artist , do you think is it possible for me to shift as ui/ ux designer or can I go along with , m bit of confuse ..i have seen lot of opportunities in ui/ ux designer ..most of them landed in reputed company

like

Dear all, currently I am working as a react developer I have one yr of experience in my current company,I need your suggestions I want to learn backend should I learn node js Or java spring boot. I have knowledge of core java Thank you @Tata Consultancy Infosys

like

Which Azure certification is good in terms of career in Cyber Security

like

Hi fishers,
I am a fresher, I have a chance of getting AWS or Sailpoint (Cybersecurity)technology to work on .. kindly suggest which I need to choose.
Also ,If I get Sailpoint project now, can I switch to Cloud in future?

Did you choose to work in the private sector or academia? Why?

like

Need help on how I transition my career from Audit to Management Consultancy. I have only completed BCom and ACCA (UK Chartered Accountant) and have worked for over 2 years at EY.

like

Anyone know how to break into lifestyle photography? What are the first steps?

Hello!
Can anyone tell me whether support role or dev role is better in salesforce company?

like

Im a third year and my current firm isn't bad and I'm pretty comfortable here. Im satisfied most of the time. There is one firm I've been keeping my eyes on because of its similarities to where I currently am (nice people, similar hours, culture).

Im a bit burned out now and I would love to take a long break. I'm hoping I can take a break (2 months) between the transition but is this a good reason to move though? Would you move in my situation? Im sure there will be a signing bonus.

like

Newly barred attorney here of almost a year. Looking to maybe ditching the “traditional” attorney/bar licensure track and going into other areas where JD degrees/lawyers are preferred. Anyone have experience with this untraditional track?

like

More Posts

Anyone up for practicing McKinsey style cases together? I have availability on weekends and after 7pm on weekdays.

like

Hi All,
I'm looking for a permanent work from home job, can anyone suggest a few names where I can try. I'm a senior consultant in Risk Advisory service line performing sox and IA

like

Taking AUD in 2 weeks. Got a 70 on Becker mock exam. Any advice I should have for these last 2 weeks, would be really appreciated

like

Anyone have any experience with a good executive coach for a challenging personality? Please help! (Looking for a friend. Quite seriously.)

like

Do you consider Dallas to be "conservative"?

like

Random question. In the past 3 years, how much did your base salary increase? %s only

like

Hello! Looking at an opportunity with established startup in UK that's just been acquired by a large co. I'm US based and my salary is around $250k (NYC) -I've been asked my expectation without the startup giving me a range to work from (though I've asked). I'm not sure how to reply to them because I have a feeling that my requirement may be out of their range and while I don't want to undercut my value, I also don't want to be cut out of the process because it's an interesting co. Any advice?

like

Anyone have consulting experience in Austria? I’m moving to Vienna and trying to get a sense of salary for an experienced SM in management consulting. Any insight? Thanks!

like

Please tell us, since COVID started:

-weirdest thing you've eaten
-weirdest thing you've watched
-weidest thought you've had.

likehelpful

I hope everybody received 2k Amazon voucher as Xmas gift

like

Ahh get a second job. Thanks Wired.

Post Photo
funnylikesmart

High school special class (self-contained) teachers: What do you use for planning? I’ve always been an inclusive teacher, so I followed the plan book of my co-teacher. I can’t even decide if I should go digital or paper-based let alone make a final decision! I’ll be teaching 9-11th grade math and 11th grade science. The 11th grade classes I can very much do whatever I (or the student) want/need…there isn’t a set curriculum

likehelpful

Update got fired: Based on previous post to pick up a Lower CTC (offer $$) or not
I'm planning on taking a lower money job

How's a response to my future hire a year later

I got laid off due to covid. I picked up this opportunity to pay my bills (40% lower Money)

So had to do this for a while

like

I’ve been with my company for 4 years and I’m thinking about applying for a new job. For references, I would like to use my coworkers but I also don’t want to bring up the fact that I’m applying to other places. How should I handle my references when it comes to applying or interviewing with other companies?

like

I think Canvas took the holiday today

like

Does anyone else feel stressed thinking how you are working toward a career that you hate (or at least don't like)?

likefunny

Has anyone had to leave B4 due to independence issues of a spouse or spousal equivalent? If so, how did you feel about it?

like

Best headhunters in Chicago? Any leads would be awesome.

like

Hi plant parents :) anyone in the dc/ northern va area that has a pothos growing well? I really just want a wee bit of cutting so I can propagate. I’d come pick it up from you, no contact! Help!

like

Additional Posts in Diversity & Inclusion

Do you think diversity training actually works? I can't tell if it's just a way to tick a liability box or if it's actually effective.

like

Does anyone have experience with starting a Business/Employee Resource Group? I would really like to start one for Middle Eastern and North Africans as my company does not have one. There are many discussions that could benefit others and opportunities for intersectionality here. TIA!

like
like

Does anyone have a recommendation for a successful diversity focused job board?

like

Our team is about to recruit and we are trying to live our DEI values. Any tangible actions you can suggest to how we can widen our attractiveness to a more diverse candidates? Applies internally and externally. Thanks for any suggestions.

like

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, The New Yorker released the transcript of a previously unpublished interview with James Baldwin, who gave a first-hand account of "Freedom Day 1963," a Black voter-registration drive in Selma, Alabama. Baldwin's descriptions from that day are so vivid and detailed that you can feel the fear and anger of the event. If you have a couple of minutes, I highly recommend you read it.

Hey! I created a bowl for DEIB practitioners and employers/hiring managers who need contractors or candidates .

likeuplifting

Hi everyone! I’m pivoting from working in politics in search of a role in DEI. I have 1.5 YOE managing multiple campaigns and a BA in Global Studies & MA in Ethnology. I have experience working in and with non-profits and a passion for people and culture. I’d love to connect to hear about your journeys & advice for an early career transition!

like

What do you wish you knew before starting your career in Diversity & Inclusion?

like

I recently moved to Toronto from New Jersey. I’ve been applying with little success. I have a background in healthcare, non-profit, and public health. Any advice on what company I should apply to?

like

Feeling very frustrated right now…company talks a big game about DEI internally, while requiring new hires to move to Texas/Arizona, while the company’s PAC donates to politicians pushing extremist, regressive, anti-woman and anti-LGBT laws

They want to encourage us to “bring our whole self to work” while putting us in situations where we can’t be our whole self.

Anyone else in a similar place, feeling discouraged? Any tips?

like

Working at a company and they can’t seem to hold on to their female, black and people of color employees. I blinked and 3 of the people who were in my onboarding class were either fired or they left. For context I’ve been in company less than a year and there are people who have been in the company 25yrs. I’m thinking of cutting loose before it gets to my turn.

like

I am frustrated as a Gay Woman who has given her all for 30+ years grinding to be the best. I have been in closet, out of closet, in-between and am tired of it. I want to be VALUED as a human being. I have gone from Rock Star to problem when people "found out". I have trained and promoted hundreds of people and been passed over for promotions because of not being a man. I have trained men with less experience, worse results only for them to move forward. If Diversity is important...prove it!

like

Latinx - help! We used this term in our diversity spotlight discussing Hispanic Heritage Month. One individual said that in English a group of Latinos would just be Latins to be gender neutral. I understand the word is controversial but is “Latins” grammatically correct? I assume we should just say Latin Americans, but trying to understand if Latins is also accurate.

like

Hey I have an large project idea but I am looking for a business partner who is interested in helping fund the project. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to find a business partner like that?

like

General question: Is there any room in corporate America for real, actionable DE&I discussions and initiatives? I've observed so many corporate versions become an advertising strategy (SM posts, diversity reports) without doing the actual work (increasing representation in senior leadership, salary analyses, having an effective reporting system for bias). Is this just how it is?

like

Does anyone have any metrics/ benchmarks they could share on diversity hires? We're putting goals together for 2023 and our senior leadership wants 30% of all candidates interviewed and hired to be gender or ethnic diverse.

like

Hi all,

My boss makes jokes about me being from a different country whenever there is a work meeting or a gathering with coworkers, even though he knows where I am from. This usually occurs when I meet new work-related people or for example if I am in a situation that involves ethnic related subjects.

What is this? This is normal?

Stereotyping?
Racism?

The first time I ignored that, but now it has become a pattern and is bothering me now. I am south-American working in the UK.

like

Juneteenth is just around the corner. This is the first year I get the day off as a company holiday -- not sure if my company is having any programs or events. How about yours? And if not, are you doing anything on your own to recognize/celebrate this day?

like

Definitely took the wrong job. I was offered a seriously competitive salary and great benefits to work at a well funded startup, which is great! Turns out the salary and benefits were meant as lowkey bribes to insure I worked at the company without actually doing any work. Every single suggestion I've made has been shut down and I've been ghosted for several meetings with the CEO. What should I do? Just leave?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal