I think it is a trap to assume that communication skills and technical skills are mutually exclusive. In fact, many of the best engineers I've ever know were _

I think it is a trap to assume that communication skills and technical skills are mutually exclusive. In fact, many of the best engineers I've ever know were _also_ some of the best at communicating their ideas. Granted, dysfunctional orgs, particularly large ones, will always end up promoting the sort of person I think you have in mind -- those who talk a great game, play politics, but don't really ship. That is an organizational and culture problem, though, and doesn't mean you should ignore your "soft" skills.