They are definitely good general human skills. The article highlights the relevance in programming because it’s easy to assume that strong technical skills are

They are definitely good general human skills. The article highlights the relevance in programming because it’s easy to assume that strong technical skills are enough and that this baseline “dealing with humans and solving problems” toolset is not needed as much. Whereas “the job” you have as a programmer requires these baseline transferable skills in order for you to be effective, even if you’re super good at whatever technical skillset.