WISH YOU COULD BOOST YOUR TEAM'S LANGUAGE SKILLS AND IMPROVE COMMUNICATION?

Want them to feel more confident speaking up in a foreign language?

You can!

Here are a few zero cost ideas that could help you make language learning a fun, rewarding part of your team culture.

1) Lead by Example

Before you dive in, I invite you to take a look at your attitude to learning.

If you’re willing to try new things and make mistakes, your team will feel more comfortable doing the same.

Share what you’re learning with your team. It’s an ongoing journey, and not about reaching a perfect goal. They’ll be more likely to go for it and make the effort themselves.

2) Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Mistakes are our teachers — especially when it comes to language learning!

Celebrate risk-taking and see errors as chances to grow, not something to avoid.

The safer people feel making mistakes, the more likely they’ll push themselves to learn. 

3) Endorse a No-Judgement Zone

Encourage your team to speak up. Even if sometimes they get words muddled up or pronounce things differently.

It’s hard enough being the new person when joining a company. When English is not your first language that can add to the pressure.

4) Ask for Feedback and Give It

Feedback should go both ways.

Encourage employees to ask for feedback on their language skills, and make it clear that giving feedback is just as valuable.

Don’t forget to include native speakers in this, we can all improve our language skills!

5) Best-Practice Sharing

Have team members share resources or methods that have worked for them. It’s a great way to keep learning engaging and collaborative.

There are lots of great apps and online tools: Duolingo, Babbel, Grammarly, Anki, Memrise, and others. Encourage the team to share these and practise.

6) Give Incentives 

Give a shout-out or a small reward for reaching a milestone.

Show appreciation for language progress you notice.

When you see someone stepping out of their comfort zone, let them know. This can be very motivating.

I hope this sparks ideas that would work in your environment, and that you’ll give them a go.

If you are an employer and would like to talk about anything I have covered then please do get in touch.

Equally, if you are a non-native speaker in the country you work in, get in touch if you’d like to explore how I can help.