6 Ways to improve collaboration skills for greater impact

“Collaboration skills” show up on almost every job description—and for good reason. Whether you’re leading a project or pitching in behind the scenes, being able to collaborate is how great work gets done. And while some people thrive in team settings, others find it a stretch.

The good news? Collaboration is a skill you can build. In this guide, we’ll break down why collaboration matters and how to strengthen the specific skills that help you connect, contribute, and stand out on any team.

Why are collaboration skills important?

Because no one does great work alone. The best ideas, the biggest breakthroughs, and the most meaningful progress all happen when people bring different strengths to the table. As the way we work becomes more cross-functional, remote, and fast-paced, collaboration is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

From Slack chats to shared Google Docs to team stand-ups, your ability to collaborate affects everything: how others experience working with you, how fast your team moves, and how confident people feel trusting you with bigger responsibilities. When collaboration breaks down, frustration builds. But when it works? It builds momentum, loyalty, and results.

Six ways you can improve your collaboration skills

1. Be an active listener

Active listening isn’t just about staying quiet while someone else talks—it’s about tuning in with curiosity and making sure you truly understand what’s being said. That means listening without judgment, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back key points to align. Here's an example:

“So just to confirm—you’ll gather the data, and I’ll draft the slides?”

Simple, but powerful.

Great listeners also pay attention to how something is said. Is your teammate rushing their words? Avoiding eye contact? Looking uncomfortable? Nonverbal cues often reveal what words don’t. The more attuned you are to both, the more trust you’ll build—and the better your collaborations will flow.

2. Refine your communication skills

Great collaborators don’t just talk—they adapt. One of the fastest ways to build trust in a team is by tuning into how others prefer to communicate. Some people want context up front. Others prefer quick, bullet-point updates. Some think best out loud, while others need time to reflect before sharing.

The key is noticing these preferences and flexing your style to match. For example, if you’re leading a brainstorm, try offering multiple ways to contribute—like sharing ideas in advance via a shared doc, then building on them live. When people feel safe to share in the way that works best for them, collaboration flows, and no one gets left behind.

A Marlee 1 to Many Board showing communication styles within a team

3. Develop your emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (or EQ) isn’t just about being “good with people”—it’s about noticing what’s really going on beneath the surface. It helps you recognize your own emotional patterns, read the room, and respond in ways that build connection rather than tension.

Teams with high emotional intelligence are able to communicate with empathy, navigate conflict more smoothly, and bounce back from challenges faster. That’s why many top performers (and leaders-in-the-making) turn to coaching to grow their EQ over time.

How do you typically respond when someone on your team shuts down, interrupts, or seems checked out? Building your emotional intelligence is about learning to pause, observe, and respond in a way that strengthens the relationship.

❤️ If you’re ready to become the kind of teammate people trust and open up to, try Marlee's Increase EQ coaching program. It’ll help you tune into what others need—and understand what drives you, too.

4. Seek out different perspectives

Great collaborators don’t just look for agreement—they look for range. The most effective teams include people who think differently, question assumptions, and see things you might miss. Instead of sticking to the comfort zone of like-minded voices, invite in fresh perspectives.

Ask the quietest person in the room what they see. Share your draft early with someone outside the project. You’ll make better decisions and catch blind spots before they become blockers.

This mindset doesn’t just improve your work—it builds culture. Teams that embrace diverse thinking and use collaboration tools to stay connected are more engaged and more fulfilled. In fact, research shows employees with access to digital collaboration tools are up to 17% more satisfied with their workplace. The takeaway? Inclusion gives you a performance advantage, especially in remote and hybrid environments.

5. Recognize others

Collaboration is never a solo act. Behind every successful project are teammates who contributed time, ideas, feedback, and often effort you didn’t even see. One of the simplest ways to strengthen team dynamics is to name those contributions out loud. Whether it’s a quick Slack message, a shoutout in a meeting, or a private note of thanks, recognition goes a long way.

It’s about building trust and belonging. People are more likely to collaborate, take initiative, and support each other when they feel seen. So if someone helped move the work forward, say so. You’ll not only boost morale, but you’ll also help create a culture where contribution is valued and collaboration thrives.

6. Be accountable and do your part

The most trusted collaborators aren’t always the loudest—they’re the ones who consistently show up and follow through. If you say you’ll do something, do it. Deliver your part of the project with care. Ask for help early if you’re stuck. Offer support when someone else is overwhelmed. These small moments build your reputation as someone others want on their team.

Accountability isn’t just about meeting deadlines—it’s about showing others they can count on you. And in fast-moving, cross-functional teams, that kind of reliability is gold. When people know you’ll do your part (and do it well), collaboration becomes smoother, faster, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Don’t let too much collaboration hold you back

Collaboration fuels progress—but too much of it, or without the right structure, can slow your team down. Endless meetings, unclear roles, or a flood of chat messages can leave everyone drained and with nothing truly done.

The best collaborators know how to balance connection with clarity. That means setting boundaries: limiting meeting sizes, aligning on clear goals, using shared docs instead of constant check-ins, and keeping timelines realistic. If expectations slip, don’t be afraid to reset and refocus.

Strong collaboration is about making space for each person to do their best work, then bringing it all together when it matters most.

Strong collaboration skills set you apart

Strong collaboration skills are a career catalyst. The most valued team members aren’t always the ones with the loudest voice, but the ones who listen deeply, communicate clearly, stay accountable, and bring others together to do their best work.

Whether you’re just getting started or already leading projects, there’s always room to grow. And the fastest way to develop your collaboration skills? Personalized coaching that helps you strengthen emotional intelligence, build trust, and become the kind of teammate people rely on.

Marlee’s coaching programs unlock the strategies that make collaboration feel easy, energizing, and impactful—wherever and however you work.

👉 Get started for free with Marlee