in certain instances and with certain managers, boot licking might work. but it's not a good strategy, and doesn't work with good people as much as competence d

in certain instances and with certain managers, boot licking might work. but it's not a good strategy, and doesn't work with good people as much as competence does. Yes soft skills matter. You do not want to be seen as someone who's more disruptive than productive. You do not want to be 'tolerated'. Being able to persuade is a very important skill in a tech company. It's to be learned, rather than scorned :)