CPD tips - How to develop your social skills in the workplace

Social skills can prove to be essential in all aspects of life, nowhere is this truer than in a professional environment. Having good social skills can aid in advancing your career, improving relations with management and colleagues and help to provide superior customer interaction. In this CPD article, we will outline the importance of good social skills, as well as give some simple tips on how to develop them in the workplace.

What are social skills?

Social skills refer to the abilities and competencies that allow effective interaction and communication with others in various situations. They encompass a range of interpersonal skills and behaviours that enable individuals to navigate social environments, build relationships, and collaborate with others. Social skills are essential for establishing and maintaining friendships, working effectively in teams, resolving conflicts, and engaging in meaningful interactions. 

Why is it important to have good social skills?

Every time that you interact with another person, you typically utilise different social skills depending on who you are speaking to. For example, how you talk to a client probably differs from the way you talk to a colleague. Developing and continuously honing these social skills can enhance your professional relationships, increase your effectiveness in the workplace, and contribute to your long-term career success.

Having good social skills is important for numerous distinctive reasons:

• Building relationships: To form and maintain relationships, you should always show respect, courtesy, and integrity in all interactions, whether with friends, family or with colleagues and clients. Effective social skills can help in establishing better connections, fostering trust, and creating meaningful bonds.
• Career success: Job interviews, networking, and building professional relationships heavily rely on good social skills. Additionally, leadership, persuasion, and negotiation are highly valued attributes that can contribute to career advancement in the workplace.
• Personal well-being: Meaningful relationships and support networks can contribute to a sense of belonging, fulfilment, and overall happiness. In general, those who are socially adept will be more likely to have strong social connections, experience less loneliness, and enjoy better mental and emotional well-being.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Individuals must be able to adapt and adjust their behaviour to different social situations and cultural contexts. Being adaptable and flexible in the workplace involves being open to new ideas, taking initiative, and adjusting your approach based on the needs of the organisation and team. It also includes being receptive to feedback and continuously learning and growing in your role.

Examples of the best social skills to develop in the workplace

Developing strong social skills in the workplace can greatly contribute to your professional success and overall career growth. Here are some key examples of social skills that are particularly valuable in a workplace setting:

• Communication effectiveness: Clear and concise communication involves expressing ideas, instructions, and feedback in a manner that is easily understood by others. Effective communicators use appropriate tone, language, and non-verbal cues to enable efficient exchange of ideas, information, and emotions. Being able to express oneself clearly and actively listen to others is valuable in interactions, teamwork and negotiation.
• Collaboration: Good social skills facilitate collaboration by promoting open communication, empathy, cooperation, and respect for others' perspectives. This leads to productive and harmonious team dynamics, improves problem solving and overall performance. Collaboration skills involves active participation, sharing ideas, and being receptive to feedback from team members.

• Emotional intelligence: Being able to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as perceiving and responding to others can enhance interpersonal connections and promote positive interactions. Social skills and emotional intelligence can help you to navigate workplace dynamics, build rapport, and demonstrate greater empathy and sensitivity.
• Conflict resolution: Conflicts and disagreements are bound to arise in any workplace and being able to resolve conflicts calmly and constructively is highly valued. This involves active listening, empathy, diplomacy, and the ability to find mutually beneficial solutions. It also means being able to manage emotions and maintain professionalism during difficult conversations.
• Conflict management: Conflict management skills go beyond conflict resolution. They involve proactive strategies to prevent conflicts, promoting a positive work environment, and fostering open communication. These include problem-solving, negotiation, and creating win-win situations.
• Leadership and influence: Developing leadership skills and clear communication can have a significant impact on your career. Effective leaders motivate, provide guidance, facilitate collaboration, delegate and make decisions, and can have the ability to influence and inspire.

Effective ways and tips on how to improve your social skills

Improving social skills is a lifelong process that requires practice and self-awareness. Here are some effective ways and tips to enhance your social skills:

1. Practice active listening

Actively listening to your colleagues, managers, and clients demonstrates respect, interest, and understanding. It involves giving your full attention, asking clarifying questions, and responding appropriately. This helps build rapport, foster communication, and avoid possible misunderstandings.

2. Observe and learn from others

Observe individuals who possess strong social skills and learn from their behaviour. Pay attention to how they communicate, their body language, and their ability to connect with others. Take note of the strategies they use and incorporate them into your own interactions.

3. Seek feedback

Ask trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors for honest feedback about your social skills. They can provide insights into areas for improvement and offer suggestions for enhancing your communication style, body language, or overall interpersonal effectiveness.

4. Practice empathy

Develop your ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Put yourself in their shoes, focus on seeing things from their perspective, and respond with compassion. Practice empathy by actively listening and showing genuine concern for others' emotions.

5. Join social or professional groups

Engage in social or professional groups that align with your interests and career goals. These environments provide opportunities to interact with diverse individuals and practice your social skills in a supportive setting. Engaging in group activities or projects can help you develop teamwork and collaboration skills.

6. Take CPD courses and events

Consider enrolling in accredited CPD courses and events that focus on communication skills, emotional intelligence, or interpersonal effectiveness. These structured learning opportunities can provide you with practical strategies, insights, and exercises to improve your social skills.

7. Step out of your comfort zone

Challenge yourself to engage in social situations that may be slightly uncomfortable for you. This could involve attending networking events, initiating conversations with new people, or participating in public speaking opportunities. Gradually exposing yourself to these situations helps build confidence and improves your social skills over time.

8. Practice non-verbal communication

Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Ensure that they align with your intended message and convey openness, confidence, and respect. Practice maintaining good eye contact, using appropriate gestures, and having a relaxed posture.

9. Reflect and learn from experiences

After social interactions, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Assess your own behaviour, the impact you had on others, and any challenges you faced. Use these reflections as learning opportunities to adjust and continuously grow your social skills.

10. Be patient and persistent

Improving social skills takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and embrace the learning process. Recognise that there will be ups and downs, however, social skills are developed through consistent practice and a willingness to learn and grow. Celebrate your progress along the way and embrace opportunities for personal development.

Benefits of undertaking CPD social skills training courses

Undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can bring a number of benefits, both personally and professionally. Here are some advantages of engaging in social skills training courses:

• Enhanced interpersonal effectiveness: CPD social skills training courses can provide specific techniques and strategies to improve your interpersonal communication and relationship-building. You could learn how to engage with others more effectively, express yourself clearly, and understand a variety of different perspectives.

• Improved professional relationships: By enhancing your social skills through CPD training, you can build rapport, trust, and understanding with colleagues, clients, and managers. This can lead to better collaboration, smoother interactions, and increased job satisfaction.

• Career advancement: Developing and refining social skills is highly valued in the workplace. By undertaking CPD social skills training, you can differentiate yourself from others and increase your chances of career advancement. Improved communication, networking abilities, and leadership skills gained can help open doors to new opportunities, promotions, increased responsibilities and can enhance a CV.

• Increased self-confidence: CPD social skills training can boost self-confidence in personal and professional interactions. As you acquire new skills and knowledge, practice them, and see positive outcomes, you will gain confidence in your ability to navigate various social situations. This increased self-assurance can positively impact your overall performance and well-being.

• Better customer service: If your job involves customer interactions, CPD social skills training can significantly improve your customer service skills. You will learn how to actively listen to customer needs, manage challenging situations, and provide empathetic and effective solutions. This can improve customer satisfaction, loyalty, and overall business success. 

• Adaptability and resilience: Social skills training often includes modules on adaptability, resilience, and emotional intelligence. These skills are particularly valuable in a rapidly changing work environment. By learning how to adapt to new situations, regulate emotions, and bounce back from setbacks, you can navigate challenges better and maintain a positive mindset.

• Continuing professional growth: Engaging in CPD social skills courses demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning. Employers and colleagues appreciate individuals who invest in developing their skills and stay up-to-date with best practices. CPD training not only equips you with new knowledge and techniques but also shows your dedication to continuous improvement.

Overall, good social skills enhance interpersonal interactions, improve communication effectiveness, promote collaboration, and contribute to personal and professional success. They are essential for building and maintaining relationships, navigating social situations, and thriving in various aspects of life.

Where to find CPD courses to develop social skills?

By undertaking a CPD social skills training course, you can improve your interpersonal effectiveness, strengthen professional relationships, advance your career, and develop essential skills for success in the workplace. It is an investment in your professional development that can have long-lasting benefits.  

If you wish to further develop your social skills through Continuing Personal Development (CPD), a comprehensive range of courses can be found within the CPD Courses Catalogue offered on behalf of our members. Here you will find thousands of accredited training courses and events across industry sectors and learning types. To find out more about a particular CPD course listed on our website, you can complete an enquiry form and the details will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.

How to become a CPD accredited training provider

We hope this article was helpful. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service has over 27 years’ experience providing CPD accreditation. With members in over 100 countries, our CPD providers benefit from the ability to promote themselves as part of an international community where quality is both recognised and assured.

If you are interested in offering training courses, seminars, workshops, eLearning, or educational events suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail. Alternatively, if you are looking for a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log your ongoing learning, as well as store your professional training records and attendance certificates in one simple place, go to the myCPD Portal page.