[geoffjentry]

> Well, these results definitely validate that. Once you're topped out in coding ability, better communication only helps!

I think it's close to this, but not quite as it's a sliding scale and not a step function.

From a business perspective, there tends to be diminishing returns as one's coding skills improve. And that's the point where returns on communication skills tends to become more important. So more often than not the higher the level the more important communication skills become over coding skills. This is not saying a high level engineer can be all talk and no ability, but rather a great communicator/good coder might become more valuable than a good communicator/great coder.

Apologies for all the hedging in the above. I'm trying to take into account that there are always exceptions to the above. Some positions need that absolute wizard. It's the exception to the rule, but it exists.

[zamfi]

> This is not saying a high level engineer can be all talk and no ability, but rather a great communicator/good coder might become more valuable than a good communicator/great coder

I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek there, but I will point out that folks who are good coders and great communicators often find roles that are more rewarding in every way outside the IC SWE universe, and so are probably poorly represented in this sample…