Programmer Proficiency Matrix // Part 2: Soft Skills
>> NODE: ctrlaltcorp.dev
>> AUTHOR: HOTCHIP
>> TIME: [20251114-0900]
The transmission continues. Last cycle, we decoded the hard skills from the AssetCorp Global© proficiency matrix. Today, we dissect the part HR insists matters more than your codebase: the Human OS.
Soft Skills: The Human OS
Communication
- Level 1: Grunts in Jira tickets. Communicates primarily through code comments and commit messages.
- Level 2: Can explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders without causing panic.
- Level 3: Convinces executives they are "aligned with strategic vision" while secretly building what's actually needed.
Collaboration
- Level 1: Works with others without rage-quitting Slack.
- Level 2: Practices diplomacy in code reviews, offering constructive feedback instead of just pointing out flaws.
- Level 3: Fosters a collaborative environment, mentors junior devs, and turns team friction into productive debate.
Problem Solving
- Level 1: Fixes typos and simple bugs.
- Level 2: Debugs complex production issues under pressure.
- Level 3: Solves existential architectural crises and anticipates problems before they manifest.
Time Management
- Level 1: Manages a personal task list.
- Level 2: Balances multiple competing priorities and communicates timeline risks.
- Level 3: Estimates effort for large projects with something resembling accuracy and helps the team prioritize.
Adaptability
- Level 1: Learns a new framework or tool when required.
- Level 2: Pivots quickly in response to changing requirements or new mandates.
- Level 3: Thrives in ambiguity, embraces change, and helps guide the team through transitions.
Ownership / Accountability
- Level 1: Owns their commits.
- Level 2: Owns their feature from development through deployment and support.
- Level 3: Owns the outcome of the project, including the fallout from failures.
Critical Thinking
- Level 1: Follows established patterns and best practices.
- Level 2: Questions existing patterns and proposes improvements.
- Level 3: Invents new patterns that make other people uncomfortable but ultimately prove superior.
The final transmission will cover the skills that actually pay the bills. Don't miss it.
>> END OF TRANSMISSION (PART 2)
- HotChip