zlacker

Going back to the OP... they were working in a consultancy roles. A consultant by definition will be liaising, communicating, generating leads, etc. and social skills are pivotal to their success. But I would say broadly for anyone working in software engineering, that effective communication is critical in an industry that's based on translating business requirements from the real world into concrete logic.

> speak your mind without constantly simulating a PR team in your brain.

Certainly not what I'm advocating. But I would say, that off-hand and unexamined opining in a collaborative setting can have a deleterious effect. Particularly if you're in a lead or senior position where your criticisms may often proceed unquestioned, even if they are based on faulty or misapplied intuitions.

In my time as a consultant, I've found I've communicated best and reached the best outcomes when I've refrained from speaking until I'm clear about what I'm saying, and why. The initial reticence allows time for less confident voices to speak their minds, and as a side benefit allow a new perspective to move the conversation.