Collaboration is an important and multifaceted soft skill for any creative professional. It includes a range of abilities, such as clear communication, problem solving, empathy and accountability. Projects involving design, marketing and user experience, for example, require these skills as professionals often work together in teams and across departments. To help you better develop your workplace collaboration skills for projects like these, follow these five tips:

1. Work on projects outside your comfort zone. Assignments that fall beyond your area of specialization force you to rely on the knowledge of others. Use these opportunities to offer your expertise while also learning from colleagues in other departments.
2. Communicate clearly. It’s important to be clear and timely in your responses when you’re working with anyone, but especially when you’re collaborating with other departments. For example, avoid using buzzwords or acronyms that others may not know.
3. Find a mentor. Ask a colleague with strong collaboration skills to mentor you. A mentorship relationship doesn’t have to require a big time commitment; it could be as simple as eating lunch together once or twice a month.
4. Join industry groups. These associations are excellent resources for developing both hard and soft skills. Consider volunteering on a committee, which can be a good way to expand your network and hone your collaboration skills outside of the office.
5. Participate in team-building activities. Spending 15 minutes trying to untangle a human knot may seem silly, but team-building activities help strengthen collaboration abilities, improves communication and boosts morale and connection between colleagues.

Read more about skills development options on The Creative Group blog.

The Creative Group (TCG) specializes in connecting interactive, design, advertising, marketing and public relations talent with the best companies. More information can be found at roberthalf.com/creativegroup.