[balls187]

Who is this guy and why are we listening to his advice?

Edit to add:

None of this advice really holds. At the end of the day, your technical ability is what matters. If you're gunning for a promotion, figure out what your manager needs to achieve their annual performance bonus, and make sure you are instrumental in helping them achieve that.

Otherwise, find a staff level position elsewhere, and apply for that.

Soft skills aren't what holds engineers back from advancing.