People don’t change their behavior unless it makes a difference for them to do so.
Sharon Stone – Actor
I know lots of tech wizards in software, finance, and engineering. These wizards are uber geeks and they rule! Only one problem! Many wizards are turkeys with people. They lack people or social skills. These nice VUCANs went into tech thinking they could solve problems, make the world a better place, or simply to make a lot money. They’re all OK.
These are capable VUCANs and good professionals. However, they reached a social ceiling in their work and career. Much like the glass ceiling that thwarted women’s career progression, the social ceiling is the inability for socially challenged and inarticulate professionals to progress in their careers, work, or jobs.
Probably, one-quarter to one-half of executives and many engineers are in deep trouble due to poor people, poor nuancing, and poor communication skills. Engineer founders and techies are getting to the top of the food chain. They have replaced Wall Street equity managers as the new 1% evil-doers.
Techies are great at coding and designing. However, the current business climate is forcing executives and engineers to provide testimony or communicate business plans. And, it’s pathetic. Many techies are inarticulate, reactive, and oblivious of what to say. Think me-too challenged. At any organizational level, an immature outburst, harassment, or project team rebellion will put a career in jeopardy. These are career killers.
There are lots of examples of this. Physicians don’t communicate well with patients or as commonly heard, the doc’s bedside manner could be improved. Accountants (CPAs) in Big 4 firms rise up the technical track to become partners, but can’t handle the people side or the selling side. Lawyers, who make partner through great litigation, but can’t shake the money tree to get new clients. Engineer founders, who are so introverted and introspective, can’t work as part of the development team. All of these are career killers.
Work Lesson Earned: Read Marshall Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here -Won’t Get You There. The bottom line is your professional skills that got you to your present level of success probably won’t get you to the next level.