You wouldn't have your job if you didn't have the technical abilities that go along with it--whether that means a mastery of Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, or macroeconomics. But other, subtler workplace skills essential to professional success often get overlooked. Make sure you're paying attention to these five key areas:
1. Friendliness
When you spend at least 40 hours a week at the office, who would you rather work with: a grumpy coworker or an easy-going one? You don't need to be the Ellen DeGeneres of your workplace, but being genuinely nice to all your colleagues, from the maintenance staff to the executive team, helps you build camaraderie and foster a more positive work environment. At the same time, being well liked increases the chances that others will lend a hand when you need help, or will recommend you for new assignments or promotions.
2. Writing skills
In an age of email, instant messages, and Twitter, it may seem as though proper grammar, spelling, and syntax have taken a backseat to brevity. But writing well has never been more important. The rise of electronic modes of communication means people can't use tone or body language to help convey a message--so clear writing is key. When you draft memos, reports, or even e-mails to your boss, strive for clarity and correctness. Avoid shorthand (using "2" instead of "to" or "too," for example) and slang, and be sparing with emoticons (which can sometimes seem unprofessional). Your ability to draft error-free, well-organized written communication will distinguish you from others.
3. A desire to improve
Even the most successful leaders recognize that there's always more to learn. Whether it's improving your presentation skills or mastering a new software program, intellectual curiosity and the motivation to continually update your skills will keep them relevant now and into the future.
4. Asking the right questions
As the saying goes, time is money. So you must be able to quickly glean important bits of information from your colleagues when working with them on projects. The key to doing so is asking the right questions. There's a difference, for example, between a vague query such as "What's the status of this project" and a specific request such as "I need to update the team on the status of this project. Do you foresee any issues that will prevent us from completing it by the deadline?" When asking questions, be clear about what you need to know and why. The more specific you are, the better the information you get will be.
5. Tact and diplomacy
Your office is filled with different personalities, so it's only natural that disagreements and challenging interpersonal interactions will arise. Tact and diplomacy can help diffuse tense situations, resolve conflicts before they escalate, and ensure the quick completion of tasks. For example, consider how you might let a colleague know that a report he presented to you contained several errors. Berating him for delivering poor work may prompt him to correct the mistakes, but it will also probably embitter him. On the other hand, meeting with him in private and explaining how the errors could impact others who rely on the data will resolve the issue and prevent you from damaging a valuable relationship.
Employers prize all of these attributes, even if they're not the first ones mentioned in conjunction with professional success. Cultivating these skills can help you distinguish yourself on the job and advance your career.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about RHI's professional services, please visit roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, visit workvine.com or follow RHI on Twitter.
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