What are collaboration skills?

Collaboration skills are skills that you use to work efficiently with others. They include skills such as written communication, verbal communication, active listening, feedback, and inclusivity. Here are examples of each of those skills:

• Written communication - Having strong written communication skills are important, especially if you're working with people in a remote capacity. Good written communication skills include being able to summarize necessary information, asking the right questions to get the needed answers, and clearly sharing important details.

• Verbal communication - Verbal communication is another important skill to have if you want to collaborate effectively. When you verbally communicate well, you not only know how to share significant information, but you can do so with the proper demeanor. An example would be having an empathetic tone when addressing a difficult problem at work.

• Active listening - Collaboration is not only about communication, it's also about listening to what other people are saying. Active listening means that you are listening attentively, with an open mind, and without judgment. Another part of this skill is asking questions for clarification if needed.

• Feedback - Listening to what others say and making any necessary changes is important. You also need to be able to constructively offer feedback when necessary.

• Inclusivity - When collaborating, everyone needs to feel like they are being included. Knowing that you are respected and supported is important, otherwise you may feel too nervous or insecure to actively participate.