What Do You Know About Being a Human Being? Three ‘must have’ human skills to succeed at work and as a leader

“What do you know about being a human being?”

This was the question the late actor Andre Braugher said his acting teacher at Juilliard asked him after a lackluster performance.

In an interview with NPR’s Terry Gross, Braugher admitted that while he delivered his lines perfectly, the performance didn’t connect with the audience.

Why?

Because he lacked an emotional attachment to the words. He didn’t bring himself — his humanity — into the role.

This story resonates deeply with me because it highlights a truth that applies far beyond acting.

Understanding human skills and why they matter in leadership and the workplace is as simple as that: being human and bringing your authentic self to the table.

Why Human Skills Matter

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, technical skills alone aren’t enough. What sets great leaders and employees apart are the qualities that connect us to others — empathy, communication, collaboration, and authenticity.

These human skills are essential for building trust, resolving conflicts, and inspiring teams to work together toward shared goals.

For leaders especially, these skills aren’t optional. They are critical for creating a workplace culture that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.

Research shows that employees who feel safe, valued and understood are more likely to thrive, innovate, and stay engaged.

3 Essential Human Skills for Success

Here are three human skills that every professional and leader should focus on developing:

1. Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and connect with others on an emotional level. It helps you see things from someone else’s perspective, making it easier to build trust, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration.
2. Communication Skills: Great communication goes beyond speaking clearly — it’s about actively listening, managing conflict constructively, and working harmoniously with others. For leaders, it’s also about creating an atmosphere of trust, clarity and alignment within their teams while ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.
3. Teamwork thrives on mutual respect, adaptability, and shared purpose. Strong collaborators know how to navigate differences, embrace diverse perspectives, and contribute to a positive and productive group dynamic.

The Role of Leaders in Shaping Workplace Culture

Leaders who prioritize human skills set the tone for healthier and more inclusive workplaces.

By modeling empathy, fostering open communication, and encouraging collaboration, they create environments where employees feel safe, supported, and motivated.

This not only boosts morale but also drives better results for the entire organization.

Click below to watch a presentation on how leaders can foster a culture of belonging with their leadership brand.

The Bottom Line

At its core, being effective in the workplace — whether as a leader or team member — is about being human. It’s about bringing your authentic self to the space you’re in, connecting with others, and leveraging your human attributes and unique strengths to make an impact.

So, here’s my question for you: What do you know about being a human being?

Think about the human skill that defines you — whether it’s your empathy, humor, resilience, or ability to connect — and how it’s shaped your journey. These qualities aren’t just personal assets; they’re the foundation of success.

Let’s start a conversation — what’s your strongest human skill, and how has it helped you thrive? Share in the comments below!

Want to deep dive into your human skills?

Learn more about our 1:1 coaching on how to LEAD With Who You Are: Defining Your Authentic Self.

We start by helping you define your human skills. Then we provide tools and strategies for you to leverage them at work, as well as draw on your human skills to communicate your value at job interviews.