Ask HN: How do you measure your improvement in 'soft' skills over time?

1) Reflect on how is your problem solving process. What kind of emotions do you feel, when you are faced with new problem? How do you proceed, is it chaotic, or straightforward? Are you able to calm down and look at the problem from higher perspective? I was recently asking myself these questions, when I switched job and was suddenly faced with completely new type of technical problems but also new personal challenges (mainly inter- peresonal relationships). You might think you are good problem solver, until new, stressing situation appears, which makes you behave like 8 year old child :-D

2) Ask people around you. When I felt stupid, slow and incapable of solving problems I actually asked people around me what they think. To my surprise they said I obviously need more experience, but my approach to problem is very good! If you have people you can trust, this is very good way how to get valuable feedback and improve!

I just jotted this down real quick, but hope it helps.

I've been asked in the past to increase my focus on 'soft skills' in favor of gaining more technical expertise. What was meant by that was that I spend more time talking with people, building relationships, playing politics, and generally becoming more amicable in situations that I find irrational or wasteful.

> personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people

What are you trying to ask?