Empowering cybersecurity professionals with the non-technical skills they need to thrive.
The hard truths about soft skills in cyber
Hey there, As you go throughout your days in cyber, you often become entangled with technical jargon, technical details, and the latest security practices. We know intrinsically that soft skills are an important part of our jobs but we don't pay them the say attention that their technical counterparts receive. So, this week's article sheds light on 5 hard truths about soft skills. Despite those, why we need to push through and keep improving. We're reminded by one of my favorite authors, Peter Drucker, that "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said," and delve into why emotional intelligence is the hidden firewall you didn't know you needed. Adam Grant teaches us that great communicators are the ones who make their audience feel enlightened, not just informed. Our article examines why this is particularly challenging in the cybersecurity culture that celebrates technical prowess over empathetic outreach. As the cybersecurity landscape perpetually evolves, adaptability becomes our most steadfast ally. We share insights on how changing our mindset can be more arduous than changing our strategies. Join us as we confront these hard truths and begin a dialogue on how to integrate soft skills into our professional repertoire. It's time to start viewing them not just as nice-to-have attributes but as essential competencies that complement our technical expertise. |
Action itemThis week, take the first step in enhancing your soft skills by engaging in active listening. During your next team meeting or client call, focus on understanding the underlying concerns and motivations of your colleagues or clients. Resist the urge to formulate a response while they're speaking. Instead, summarize their points to ensure clarity and show that you are truly hearing them. It’s a small but powerful practice that can transform the way you communicate and lead in the cyber world. Interesting resources across the webThis section breaks down some relevant resources across the web for you to check out. 👉 Britannica article on different cognitive biases including the Dunning Kruger effect. 👉 Asana article on a few effective workplace communication strategies that you may not yet be implementing. Keep growing, - Rob & Frank 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205 |
Soft Side of Cyber
Empowering cybersecurity professionals with the non-technical skills they need to thrive.
How often have you been in a room full of cybersecurity people, only to observe them mocking those who are "social" or "non-technical" in their skills? We don't train on it. We don't seem to value it. So why bother talking about emotional intelligence and social skills? It's because we believe it's at the core of actually getting things done in cybersecurity. It's the intangible yet valued things that separate the effective from the ineffective. In this week's article, Frank explores...
Hey there, Compliance is so often looked at in security circles as a burden. It’s a thing to do. It’s expensive. It’s not equating to actual security. Those are just a few of the many reasons that security teams are typically not the biggest fans of compliance. This week’s article focuses on how you can get the most out of compliance so it can actually help your business instead of hamper your team’s resources and energy levels. If you’re leading a security team or involved in the day-to-day...
Hey there, Are you aspiring to climb the ladder in your cybersecurity career but unsure where to start? Whether it’s the prestigious CISO role you’re eyeing or a leap into a more strategic position, understanding the intricacies of career advancement is crucial. Our latest article, "So You Want to Get Promoted in Cybersecurity?", is a treasure trove of insights tailored just for you. It delves into the different pathways you can take in the field, whether it’s the individual contributor or...