Hey there! Ever wondered what skills could turn you into a wizard in the world of Atlassian? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to tell you the realm of skills that can make you the go-to consultant for all things Atlassian!

In this post, I won’t specify which Atlassian tools or apps you should learn, perhaps I will do that in another post. However, I’ll share information about general skills that can be valuable for you.

Soft Skills

Logical Thinking 🧠 Be the maestro of logical thinking, conducting a symphony of tools, products, code, and integrations. Piece it all together in your mind before your client even finishes talking.

Curiosity 🕵️‍♂️ Be the tireless explorer of the Atlassian ecosystem. Test, tweak, and break things if you have to. Dive into settings, simulate scenarios, and observe the interactions between the tools. If Jira is your jam, great! But remember, there’s a whole Atlassian universe out there waiting for your curiosity.

Good Listener 👂 Listen up! Your client has tales to tell, and sometimes they just need a friendly ear. Hold back on interrupting, gather all the info, and then unleash your opinion. You might find yourself playing psychologist – who knew that was part of the gig?

Critical Thinking 🤔 Don’t just nod and smile. Filter, question, and be the guardian of good decisions. If your client’s asking for the moon, make sure they’re ready for the rocket ride. Say no when needed, and always let them know the consequences. Your role is like a safeguarding sanity in the Atlassian universe.

Open Mind 🤯 Stuck in configuration chaos? Take a chill pill and brainstorm with your colleagues. Sometimes, you will find the solution by presenting the problem to your colleagues. Focus on understanding the problem and double-check if it’s possible to solve it with a different solution.

Researcher 🔍 Google is your best buddy. Got a problem? Research is your key to unlocking solutions. Don’t be the question bombardier; be the self-sufficient detective.

Organized 📊 Whether it’s an implementation or a migration, you need good organization skills. Create your own dashboard, action items, and reminders, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Technical Skills

Windows 🪟 Here, I’m not referring to knowing how to change your desktop wallpaper or swap your mouse pointer. However, if you have to work with a Data Center instance, you’ll likely need to understand services, permissions, environment variables, and a few other configurations and tools.

Linux 🐧 From managing permissions and system folders to executing files and using vital commands like ‘tail’ for log checks. And honestly, it doesn’t get much more complicated than that.

HTTP 🌐 It may seem basic, but you should know GET, PUT, POST, HTTP Headers, and HTTP Body. These are the building blocks for crafting sophisticated solutions and seamlessly integrating Jira into the vast tech world.

REST 🔄Decoding the documentation of APIs from various tools, including Atlassian’s own. Whether it’s Automation for Jira or other integrations, your understanding of REST is your golden ticket to numerous interactions.

HTML & CSS 🎨 Basic knowledge of HTML for creating email templates and CSS for occasional styling. Not a web page wizard, but enough to build some things when needed.

Database 🗄️ Knowing databases (especially Postgres, Microsoft Server, and MySQL) is essential if you want to identify errors and perform analyses for migration or troubleshoot issues within an on-premises environment. Sometimes it’s the unsung hero’s last stand, the secret weapon when all else fails. Also knowing Jira’s database can make you understand a lot more about how things work within the system.

JavaScript & jQuery 🖇 Like HTML and CSS, your proficiency in JavaScript and jQuery depends on your goals. Whether you’re creating plugins or automating tasks with Python/Selenium, these skills add an extra layer to your toolkit.

Groovy ⚗️ Script creation becomes your Swiss army knife, and as you practice the art of programming, you unveil the power of true automation.

LDAP/AD 📦Understanding LDAP and Active Directory is good, especially in larger organizations where user management and authentication play a significant role. This is important for integrating Atlassian tools with existing user directories.

Java 🍵 If you’ve journeyed into programming, you’ve likely found satisfaction in building solutions from scratch for Jira. Crafting plugins and creating custom solutions can be immensely fulfilling. While Java remains a foundational language, the future leans towards Atlassian’s Forge for plugin development.

Python 🐍 Embrace the power of Python, the versatile tool in your arsenal. Solve problems, automate tasks, and streamline processes – Python is not just a career asset but a life skill. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable companion in your professional journey.

NodeJS 🚀 While it may pose challenges (especially for someone like me coming from the Java world), the rewards are promising. Dive deeper, explore the possibilities, and unlock the future of plugin development with NodeJS in Atlassian’s Forge.

Process and Methodologies

Agile & Agile at Scale 🏈 It’s important to master both Agile practices and strategies for scaling these methodologies within the Jira Software environment. A profound understanding of Agile and Agile at Scale will empower you to lead effective implementations, foster collaboration, and maximize Jira’s potential to meet the escalating demands of complex and scalable projects.

ITIL 📖 A solid grasp of ITIL practices is paramount. Understanding ITIL within the context of Jira Service Management implementations is key to optimizing service management, ensuring efficiency, and aligning IT processes with business objectives. Stay ahead by honing your ITIL expertise for a holistic approach to delivering exceptional services in the landscape of Atlassian technologies.

DevOps ⚙️ DevOps practices involve the integration of development and operations processes. Understanding CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipelines, version control systems, and infrastructure as code can enhance your ability to deploy and manage Atlassian solutions efficiently.

Other Habilities

Technical documentation 📝 Proficiency in creating clear and concise technical documentation is essential for effective communication with clients, team members, and stakeholders. This includes writing guides, manuals, and documentation for configurations and customizations.

Requirements Management 📐Knowledge of requirements management tools and processes is crucial for gathering, documenting, and managing project requirements effectively. This skill is vital for ensuring that the Atlassian solutions meet the specific needs of the clients.

Pre-sales 💭 Pre-sales skills involve effectively communicating with potential clients, understanding their needs, and proposing appropriate solutions. This includes preparing and delivering presentations, conducting product demonstrations, and addressing client inquiries.

Experience

As I mentioned in the other post, smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors; that’s the key to becoming a good consultant. Don’t try to skip the steps. Experience is only gained with time on the road. I talk a lot about this in this post here!

I am missing anything? Comment! Let me know if there’s another technology that you feel is important and that I haven’t mentioned.