I interpret this as a call for IT people to develop social skills, so thanks for starting such an interesting discussion. Yes, it seems to be OT since it doesn't discuss cool Perl syntax tricks, but I for one find it nice to read nodes here that deal not only with source code, but also with the environment we operate in -- at least from time to time.

Being able to handle people is something no serious developer can do without, especially since we're often dealing with complicated problems that are mostly opaque to outsiders. I've been working with a lot of designers the last few years, and I found it a good opportunity to learn to communicate problems and solutions on a not too technical level. Remember: The better people understand you, the better they can help you get what you want ;). It sounds selfish, but it is true:

• A manager that understands the technical side better will give you more appropriate resources/deadlines/...
• A customer that understands you better will ask less stupid questions, wasting less of your time.
• Working on the same project with non-technical workers will be a lot easier when they understand your position.

Of course, this is true of the reverse also: As a developer, you will have to learn to some extent how a manager/client/designer/controller/marketer/... thinks. It will help to avoid a lot of misunderstandings.