Most successful careers begin with some sort of education and training. The skill requirements for the technical aspect of the job is the most detailed part of almost any job posting. If you see an ad that reads “accountant wanted” you probably should know a few things about balance sheets, ledgers, debits and credits before you apply. If you see an ad that reads “computer programmer needed.” You should probably know the difference between a database and first base to successfully do the job. We all know that in order to be successful you must exhibit a high degree of proficiency in your line of work. However, many people mistakenly believe that technical skill alone will translate into upward organizational mobility. It does not! How many people would you say there are in the workplace who are good at what they do, work hard every day but don’t have a ‘ghost’ of a chance of moving up the organizational ladder? What do you think…millions maybe? One of the most critical if not the most important component for career growth is the ability to form, nurture and sustain quality relationships…at all levels. Now many people focus on a productive relationship with the boss, rightly so, because they usually decide our paychecks. However, if you are a manager the volume of discretionary effort that your team gives will be in direct proportion to how you, their supervisor, have managed your relationship with them. The quality of the relationships that you have with your peers will dictate the amount of energy that they will be willing to give to help you. If you think that you are ‘all that’ by yourself remember even the basketball great Michael Jordan needed all-star sidekicks Scotty Pippen and Dennis Rodman to win championships. ‘People skills’ in our society are often downplayed in their importance and referred to as ‘soft’ skills. However, they are at the center of all successful leadership strategies. How can you be a great leader if you cannot convince people to follow you? How can you be recognized as a great marketing vice-president without the ability to inspire your ‘troops’ to sell more stuff and increase company revenue? How can you be a great manager when your team is depressed everyday just because you walk into the office or shop? Your career cannot soar like an eagle when you are perceived to be a ‘turkey’.

Here are 4 things that you can do that will project positive people skills when dealing with co-workers.

1. Speak to everyone with the same level of respect. Always be courteous, honest and straightforward, no matter the title of the person you are speaking with. If you are sweet when you ‘suck up’ to the boss and nasty to those that report to you. You are hated and your death is being played out in office fantasies daily!

2. Get to know something about those you work with.  Whenever possible and appropriate encourage someone. Many people you work with are hungry for a kind word or act. If you can supply something that brightens their day just a little you may find them open to other work related discussions also.

3. Close that ‘hatch’ to negative talk. If you are known for office gossip and backstabbing, folks might laugh at your stories but they will be afraid of what you might say about them when they leave the room.  Please go somewhere and sit down…quietly!

4. Be real. We all know fake and phony. Everyone is tired of the co-worker who is trying to be something they’re not. If you are open and non-pretentious most of the people you work with will appreciate the lack of…‘hot air’!

Now to be realistic, there are definitely some terrible people who exist in the workplace. Some are just plain hopelessly evil. However most of your co-workers will determine your worth based on the interactions they have had with you. The more you project positivity, the more favorable your unofficial ‘rating’. The more negative junk you are carrying or spreading, the lower your coworkers will perceive your value. So here is a question for you to ask yourself, are your coworkers ready to tell the world of your greatness or do they want you to go play in traffic.

Eric Kelly is a professional executive career and lifestyle coach with over 30 years of experience in corporate America. He has established management development systems in the US, Europe, Middle East, South America and Africa.