With the increase in technical skills required to join the workforce, it’s common for executives to lead team members who have a specialized skillset. However, many bosses are noting a need for more soft skills for these “knowledge workers,” and are trying to communicate these skills while keeping their teams’ productivity and technical skills at the forefront. The following tips help bosses connect more with their teams and provide the resources they need while promoting efficiency and high morale.

Leverage your soft skills

Listen more than you speak

This rule can apply to nearly any relationship, business or personal. You can’t learn and talk at the same time. Ask more questions, find out what your employees’ favorite industry publications are and keep a general pulse on technology updates and important announcements.

Ignore your ego

Trade in any desires for hierarchy dominance and ego-boosters for achievement. Your job is to make sure that your team has the resources it needs to knock out their objectives.

Be transparent

Be as clear and as detailed as you possible can about objectives and goals for your team, department and company. Create casual and convenient feedback loops to make sure that everyone can see the “big picture.”

Define success

Work with team leaders to define key performance indicators that make sense. Find out how conversion rates are being determined. Ask, “What does success look like to you?” Ask for frequent reports but be open to testing in order to establish healthy benchmark numbers.

Provide autonomy

Don’t micromanage, instead focus on providing resources, measuring performance and sharing your vision. Admit that you don’t have all of the answers and ask for feedback and guidance. This helps your team feel more confident and ensures better performance.

Keep up with technology

Make every effort to keep up with changes in technology. While there may be technical expertise barriers, keeping up with desktop and smartphone applications can break down communication barriers.

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Bosses who struggle to lead with soft skills often miss out on opportunities to build camaraderie and inspire success in their teams. Even the most technical teams can benefit from a leader who prioritizes soft skills. Which of the following tips most resonates with you? Need a personal sounding board for leadership ideas and tactics in your workplace, or a leadership expert to speak to your colleagues? Hire Art.