Communication skills dictate workplace success

Professional development experts agree that communication skills – verbal and non-verbal – are critical to building relationships with co-workers and meeting management’s expectations.

“Eighty-five percent of our success is due to how well we communicate, not education or training,” says Dave Molenda of Milwaukee-based consulting company Positive Polarity.

Why employers want it: Employees are more effective when they communicate well with colleagues. Being able to give and receive constructive feedback makes you indispensable.

How to gain it: Molenda says employees can hone their communication skills by practicing active listening and recognizing others’ communication styles to avoid conversation breakdowns.

— Rebecca Konya, The Wisconsin 100