We all have room to improve. Master these five social skills to succeed in the workplace.

Communication

Strong communication skills are essential for workplace success. This includes written, verbal, and non-verbal communication. Effective communicators can explain ideas clearly, give instructions concisely, and actively listen to others. They ask follow-up questions, provide actionable feedback, and expand on others’ ideas.

Cooperation

The ability to cooperate and work well with others is crucial. Employees who cooperate share ideas, provide advice, and help coworkers when needed. They work together as a team rather than competing against each other. Look for people who praise and congratulate colleagues and offer assistance on projects.

Empathy

Empathetic employees can better connect with colleagues, customers, and clients. They understand others’ emotions and can build stronger, more productive relationships. Empathy allows people to navigate difficult situations and diffuse tension when working with challenging individuals.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing your own emotions as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It helps build more meaningful relationships and is crucial for effective leadership and teamwork.

Active Listening

While part of communication, active listening deserves its own mention. It involves fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding to what others are saying. Good listeners remember what people say, ask relevant follow-up questions, and demonstrate that they value others’ input.

These social skills are critical for success in most workplaces, as they contribute to better teamwork, increased productivity, improved employee morale, and overall business success.