Lead Diverse Teams by Learning English
The world is getting flat or so they say. This phrase means different things to various people. In this article we will focus on the fact that time, distance, language and political boundaries are all being discarded as technology, travel and changing geopolitics are bringing people closer together. As countries develop economically, rural populations migrate to cities, gaining new identities and learning new languages. It’s not uncommon to be part of a team that is spread across multiple geographies. Companies are spreading themselves globally seeking to maximize market opportunities and optimize labour pools. English Language can you help in communicating with people of diverse backgrounds, as it is used in most professional settings. Hence, learning English would help you in leading teams of multiple backgrounds. Employers proclaim their efforts to provide equal opportunity irrespective of gender, race or any other discriminating factor.
Unity in Diversity
This is definitely an exciting time. Diversity enriches teams since they can gain from the unique contribution of each member. This time will also test the leaders; we understand what we know, we are at home with familiarity. Leading diverse teams requires the ability to not only accept difference but above all support individuals to be comfortable with themselves. People perform at their best when that happens.
Leaders who encourage diversity are aware of the inherent challenges in managing such teams. It is important for leaders to continuously educate themselves about every member of the team. Recognizing each need and responding as relevant is critical. It is also equally important to enable the other members of the team to respect each other and appreciate the value of diversity.
Here are four useful practices for leading diverse teams:
Know Your Team
It is very important to understand each individual, their background, likes and abilities. This will help the leader draw out each individual’s strength.
Invest in Your Team
Ultimately, the best teams exhibit high levels of trust and mutual respect. A good leader will provide opportunities to the team to build bonds at work and play.
Ask for Help
A team is strong if all the links in the chain can carry the load. Differences can sometimes disguise signals that alert a leader. Leaders of diverse teams do not hesitate to seek assistance from objective third parties to coach and guide the team.
Ensure Good Communication by Learning English
Global businesses are emerging at a faster rate than ever before. The use of technology has made communication easy, blurring the boundaries of contact. It is important to speak the same language and communicate effectively for teams that are spread across the planet. Most corporate organizations today require their employees to have a good command of spoken English. That is why as a leader, it is a good idea to empower your team and provide them with opportunities to learn English and improve their spoken English. Learning English as a skill will allow your team to excel at their job by refining their communication skills but will make you stand out as a leader as you are investing in your team and providing them with the tools to cope in a globalized space.
As an employee, you may want to take the initiative to learn English or improve your spoken English in your free time. Learning the English Language will open doors to many other opportunities in life and may even allow you travel and settle in English speaking countries.
Learning English takes effort, but small steps every day can make a big difference, especially with regard to your career path. To learn English in simple steps from home, try the free EnglishHelper English speaking course. It will help you improve your English conversation skills and your English grammar.