Communication and diplomacy rank as the skills most lacking by those in leadership positions, according to a survey of employees released by Robert Half Management Resources, a division of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

Nearly one in three workers, 30%, reported communication and diplomacy are where their managers most need improvement, followed by greater technical expertise and leadership skills respectively.

Workers were asked, “Which skill do you think your manager needs to improve most?” Their responses:

1. Communication/diplomacy: 30%
2. Technical expertise: 18%
3. Leadership: 17%
4. Strategic thinking: 14%
5. Project management: 8%
6. Other: 14%

“At the managerial and executive levels, possessing technical skills is frequently less important than being a good leader and communicator,” said Tim Hird, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. “The greatest ideas go nowhere if a manager cannot express them effectively, gain consensus and build the work relationships necessary to execute them.”

Robert Half Management Resources highlights five ways managers can assess and improve their communication skills:

1. Request 360-degree feedback. Opinions from your manager, peers and employees are invaluable. Ask them about your strengths and weaknesses, their communication preferences, and how you can make it easier for them to come to you with questions or concerns. Not everyone will feel comfortable giving candid feedback, so consider gathering input anonymously.
2. Find a role model. Think of a manager you admire who enjoys great rapport with his or her staff. What makes this person stand out? Observe how he or she interacts with others.
3. Define your comfort zone – and go outside of it. If you struggle handling difficult conversations, ask a mentor or trusted colleague for pointers. If giving presentations is not your strong suit, take a public speaking class or join a group like Toastmasters.
4. Practice active listening. In conversations, focus on what others are saying instead of formulating your next thought. Pause an extra second before jumping in to make sure you don't interrupt others.
5. Be yourself. Don't try so hard to be a manager that you stop being an individual. Be honest and relatable, and show vulnerability from time to time. To err is human – your team wants to know that you are not perfect and don't expect them to be either.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 1,000 adult US workers employed in office environments.