The Challenges of Leading an English-speaking Team at Work When English Is Not Your First Language

Leading a team of English speakers when English is not your first language can be challenging. It is further compounded by the fact that you did not grow up in the same country or culture as your employees. Bridging this language and cultural divide is paramount for building a strong team dynamic. Following are five tips that you, as a business leader, might implement to enhance your communication skills in the workplace.  

Tip #1 Focus on Formal Language and Note Nuances 

In an interesting twist, this article from the BBC highlights some of the ways that non-native English speakers actually communicate better than their colleagues for whom English is their first language!

While your grammar and sentence structure might be correct, your accent, choice of words and lack of slang/nuances can often make it difficult for your colleagues to understand you. Take note of the slang and common phrases you hear throughout the office. Chat with a trusted colleague about how to effectively use these phrases. Then, try integrating them into your everyday vernacular. Often people, such as work colleagues, who spend a lot of time together, tend to adopt similar phrases and slang. Integrating a few of these phrases will help you better communicate with the native-English speakers in your office. It will also build stronger relationships.

Tip #2 Implement Strong Leadership Practices

Operating and leading a team of employees in an English-only business environment can be intimidating. This is particularly true when the conversation shifts from business matters to interests and activities outside of work. For people for whom English is not their first language, the conversation may become confusing because of the English slang, idioms, and English-specific references. However, I encourage you to not let this deter you from being the best leader you can be.

Being a great leader is much more than your English skills. As outlined in this article from Inc.com, being a great leader includes being decisive, empathetic, and appreciative of your employees. These characteristics of a good leader go beyond your English speaking and writing skills. So do not allow English language skills insecurities from stopping you from being the best leader, manager, and teammate, you can be.

Tip #3 Foster a sense of Community; Support Other Non-native English Speakers 

Being a leader in a company or organization goes beyond your team or the group of employees who may report to you. As a senior-level executive, you must exemplify leadership in all your relationships, including those with other executives. The relationship-building you do will only create a sense of community in your organization. You can also serve as a good role model and resource for other employees, for whom English is not their first language.

Tip #4 Get Coaching to Refine Your Business English Skills

The best way to support your business English language skills is by working with a business language coach, who specializes in business communications, for those whom English is not their first language.

By working with a coach, you can address your specific areas of difficulty when communicating with colleagues at work. A language coach can help to tailor your language learning specifically to your role and industry, so you can feel more empowered at work when writing or speaking English.

Prior to working with a coach, I highly encourage you to speak with your employees and trusted colleagues to pinpoint gaps in your communication skills. These gaps might occur when others find it difficult to follow or understand you. A language coach can help to address these gaps by working with you on a strong accent, on presentation and speaking skills, as well as on writing skills, e.g. emails and other business communications.

Tip #5 Stay Open to Feedback

Another way to foster stronger communication in the workplace is to be open to feedback. If you maintain an office culture of feedback and respect, it may be easier for your colleagues to share feedback with you when they find it difficult to understand your verbal or written communication. Be open to this feedback and their suggestions on how to improve your communication skills. It will only continue to help you as you pursue your career to the highest level of your ability.

Schedule a 30 Minute Complimentary Meeting to meet Sandra via phone or video. Find out if you both are a good fit to work together. Come to the call with your questions and what business communications challenges you’d like to get help with.