I've been a project manager for six years, and I've hired engineers who could code circles around me but couldn't explain their design decisions to a client. That skill gap cost us two major contracts. Meanwhile, a developer with average technical skills but strong communication kept our stakeholders happy and delivered on time. In my experience, soft skills like active listening and clear articulation often outweigh technical prowess when it comes to team success — but is that the exception or the rule in most workplaces?