Percentage of respondents that answered, “high proficiency” to the question: “How proficient should today’s development professional be with the following soft skills?” (More than one selection was possible)
They also highlight other valuable soft skills, such as teamwork, cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity, and verbal and written communication.
Soft skills are increasingly critical for the next generation of development professionals. Survey respondents indicate that interpersonal and relational skills are the most important for development professionals to thrive and excel in the future, followed closely by adaptability and flexibility.
The Future Belongs to Collaborators & Communicators

Flexibility &
Adaptability
77%
Written
Communication
63%
Verbal
Communication
70%
66%
Resourcefulness
Building
Consensus
62%
Cross-cultural
Sensitivity
73%
