text: Well, one of the most important skills in communicating is to listen--really listen--when other people are talking to you. \n\nBeing successful in an organization requires knowing who has the ability to get stuff done (i.e., who has power). Knowing who is "in" with the higher ups and who is "out." Knowing what your boss's primary goals are and doing what you can to help him or her achieve them.\n\nAll of these things require good listening and tactful question-asking.