5 Smart Social Skills Employers Expect You to Have At Work

Research has shown that having poor interpersonal skills is why people don’t get promoted or even worse lose their jobs. This is because most workplaces depend on team work to get the job done.

Which means it is important that everyone masters a few social skills in order to survive in the work place.

Employers are looking to hire people who will work well with the rest of the team because poor relations between employees will lead to poor productivity.

1. A Great Attitude

A great attitude will improve your overall productivity at the office. This is why most employers would rather have an employee who is jovial and can handle stressful situations in the correct manner than have an employee who is always gloomy or angry.

Never allow any situation at work ruin your mood because it will strain your relationship with co workers and also reduce your productivity. Always smile even when things are hard and remember to take a break in order to relieve some of the pressure.

2. Empathy

Empathy is basically the ability to understand and relate to other people’s feelings. This will go a long way in improving your work relationships and ensuring you are able to work well with your colleagues.

This is a very important quality to have because it will ensure great team work in the office which then translates to higher productivity.

Every employer wants to have employees who get a long and work well together because it will mean more profits.

So from today try to understand where your work mates are coming from and act accordingly.

3. Active Listening

Active listening means you are fully engaged while listening to someone talk. You’re completely focused on what the person is saying. You are giving them eye contact, nodding, and occasionally asking them to clarify things you do not understand.

Instead of always be the one talking, make it a point to listen to your workmates, you will end up understanding what is required of you and will make your job much easier.

Next time a colleague or manager is talking to you. Put your phone, computer, or notebook away and fully listen. This will also better your relationships at work.

4. Respect

Respect is very important in the work place without it there will constantly be squabbles and no work will be done. However, you cannot expect to be respected if you do not respect others, regardless of your position, you should not look down on your co-workers or disregard their contribution.

This will ensure that everyone in the office feels like they offer something and that their ideas are considered.

Being polite is also important in the office words like please, thank you, excuse me etc should always be at the tip of your tongue. This will go a long way in ensuring you are respected and liked in the office.

5. Taking Initiative

Don’t just be content, a good boss would want you to seek growth because it means the company will grow as well. Take the initiative to learn new skills and work on your weaknesses. An employee who betters themselves is a great asset in an organisation.

It is important to remember that although your papers got you the job, your social skills and your work place dynamic is what will help you keep the job. No employer wants to have an employee who is making life difficult for everyone else no matter good they are at their job.