Advancing in your career requires strong collaboration skills, including adaptability, problem-solving, active listening, conflict resolution, empathy, and effectively giving and receiving feedback. Here are some strategies to help you improve your collaboration skills.

• Self-reflect and seek feedback. Think about past team experiences—what went well and where you could have contributed more effectively. Ask colleagues how they think you can be a better collaborator and be ready to see their suggestions as an opportunity for growth instead of criticism. Write down their observations, along with your own, so you can pinpoint specific skills that need improvement.
• Invest in skills. Consider taking workshops or courses that focus on communication skills, such as public speaking and conflict resolution.
• Practice empathy. Make a conscious effort to understand team members’ viewpoints that may differ from your own.
• Be proactive. Take initiative and offer help where needed, whether it’s volunteering for a project or assisting a colleague.
• Take advantage of in-house opportunities. Participate in activities at work that encourage collaboration, such as team-building sessions and retreats, role-playing exercises, and brainstorming meetings. 
• Consider outside help. A professional coach or mentor with strong leadership and communication skills can provide a neutral perspective and ideas. An organizational development expert can evaluate team dynamics and design custom workshops that will help everyone work together more collaboratively.

For more advice, read “10 Collaboration Skills Examples—and How to Improve Yours.”