About This Contribution
When Asad Ullah Khalid started his journey into the world of technology, he believed what most of us do: technical skills were everything, and this meant learning the right languages, mastering the frameworks, and success would follow. But as his career unfolded, he discovered something that changed his trajectory completely: soft skills aren't optional, they're the multiplier that makes technical skills visible and valuable.
The Early Days: From Silence to Confidence
"Before university, I had almost no exposure to formal learning or social environments," Asad recalls. "By the time I was 18, I didn't know what professionalism meant and I definitely didn't know what soft skills were."
University was a shock to the system, and surrounded by confident peers, Asad felt quiet and unsure. But then came a turning point: joining a student organisation that focused on educational events. At first, his role was small, and included arranging chairs, bringing coffee for guests, but those moments opened a door.
"I started talking to people, asking questions, observing how seniors interacted and managed things. Over time, I wrote emails, organised meetings, and eventually became vice chairman and later chairman of that organisation."
Those years taught him an important lesson: soft skills aren't about being extroverted, but about understanding how to collaborate effectively with others. By the time he graduated, skills like clear communication, organisation, and adaptability had become second nature to him, serving as his secret advantage in the tech industry.
The Myth: Soft Skills Are Only for Leaders
Many engineers assume soft skills matter only when you're managing teams, but Asad disagrees. "Sometimes, they're hidden in the smallest things we do every day."
Asking questions is an essential skill for any developer, but how and when those questions are asked can greatly impact a team's workflow and the individual's own growth. A new developer may either ask every question that comes to mind immediately or, contrarywise, remain silent and attempt to solve problems alone, often resulting in unnecessary struggle. Neither approach is ideal.
Developing self-awareness is key to improving this skill. Taking the time to do some initial research before posing questions demonstrates initiative and shows respect for colleagues' time. This thoughtful approach not only helps the developer learn more effectively but also fosters positive working relationships within the team.
Even in meetings, silence can speak volumes. "When someone asks a question and everyone stays quiet, that's a moment to practice confidence," Asad says. "Even saying, 'I'm not sure, but I can check and get back to you,' makes a big difference."
These micro-moments build trust and visibility, two things technical excellence alone can't guarantee.
Creating Your Own Value
One story from Asad's time at Mercedes-Benz.io illustrates this perfectly.
A few months in, during a PI Planning session, a new requirement emerged that depended on a technology his team didn't know. The other Frontend Developers couldn't attend, so Asad was the only one there.
"Suddenly, everyone was looking at me to decide if we could take this on," he recalls. At first, it was intimidating. He didn't fully understand the scope, but instead of stepping back, he asked questions, connected with the team that built the solution, and collaborated across backend and DevOps. Weeks later, they delivered successfully.
That experience taught me what creating your own value means. You don't wait for someone to hand you important tasks; you earn them by showing courage and ownership.
Why Engineers Get Stuck
Asad has seen talented engineers feel stuck after years of experience. "Doing what you're told, even doing it well, isn't enough," he says. Growth comes from initiative, visibility, and connection.
Many people end up feeling invisible in the workplace because they assume that others naturally notice and appreciate their work without the need to highlight it themselves, but "you can't assume that" Asad explains. "Share your progress, explain challenges, talk about what you learned. That's how people see your value."
Belonging plays a vital role in professional growth. While it may seem easier to skip casual interactions or company events, doing so can lead to feeling isolated from your team, because "simply showing up and talking to people build confidence and connection."
The Power of Soft Skills
For Asad, soft skills have fundamentally transformed the way he gives and receives feedback. He emphasises that "Getting feedback is easy, but getting the right kind takes awareness." To ensure he receives constructive feedback, Asad has learnt to ask specific questions such as, "Was there something I could've done better?" rather than relying on vague inquiries.
In his role as a mentor, he prioritises listening and empathy, believing that:
Mentorship isn't giving answers. It's understanding where someone is stuck and helping them find their way forward.
Asad's advice begins with self-awareness. He believes that recognising the moments when soft skills come into play is essential for growth: "You can't improve unless you notice the moments where soft skills matter." Just as he emphasises the importance of seeking specific feedback and understanding others through mentorship, Asad encourages speaking up in meetings, volunteering for demonstrations, and participating in hackathons.
Reflecting his approach to mentoring, Asad identifies listening and speaking up as the two skills that have most transformed his professional journey. "Listening changed how I communicate. Speaking up was hard; my hands shook, my voice broke, but I kept trying. Now it's easy." These skills complement each other: listening deepens your understanding of others, while speaking up allows others to understand you.
As Artificial Intelligence and remote work continue to transform the way we collaborate, Asad reflects on the importance of maintaining genuine human connection:
Use AI to learn, but don't stop talking to people. Empathy grows in conversations, not in prompts.
The Formula for Growth
In conclusion, Asad's journey underscores one essential message: growth begins with reflection and self-awareness. Take a moment to consider the times you've felt uneasy, perhaps when you wanted to contribute but held back.
By reflecting on these moments and making small, conscious changes, you gradually develop habits of open communication, confidence, and genuine empathy. These aren't just optional extras; soft skills are the very qualities that give your technical expertise a platform to shine.
Note: This article was originally published by Mercedes-Benz.io as part of a feature on Asad Ullah Khalid.