Archive for January, 2009
January 26th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Time is Money
I often get questions from clients about the advantages of “grammar-less” language learning. The simple answer is time. Many busy professionals don’t have time or patience to learn all of the nuances of another language. The traditional approach to language learning can take years. I have taught Spanish & ESL at a number of colleges and I know what doesn’t work: bogging students down with so much grammar that they are reluctant to speak.
When it comes to workplace communication, many companies want their employees to learn industry specific words and phrases without spending time learning material they may never use. That’s why we developed our programs addressing the needs of specific industries by teaching managers the language and cultures of their workers. The formula is the more effective you communicate with your employees the more effective they’ll become in their jobs.
Whether it’s taking online language lessons or using bilingual training products to facilitate learning, I found that teaching managers basic phrases in Spanish or other languages that were specific to their needs not only helps get jobs done but resulted in workers who felt more respected and motivated. Bottom line: companies retain better employees. This can be achieved in a fraction of the time of traditional language learning programs. After all, time is money……..
When it comes to workplace communication, many companies want their employees to learn industry specific words and phrases without spending time learning material they may never use. That’s why we developed our programs addressing the needs of specific industries by teaching managers the language and cultures of their workers. The formula is the more effective you communicate with your employees the more effective they’ll become in their jobs.
Whether it’s taking online language lessons or using bilingual training products to facilitate learning, I found that teaching managers basic phrases in Spanish or other languages that were specific to their needs not only helps get jobs done but resulted in workers who felt more respected and motivated. Bottom line: companies retain better employees. This can be achieved in a fraction of the time of traditional language learning programs. After all, time is money……..
Ed Rosheim, President
Workplace Languages
Click here for Online Learning Link: http://workplacelanguages.com/online_onsite.html
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I often get questions from clients about how to effectively engage Spanish speaking employees. Sometimes those with limited English proficiency get left behind in fully understanding workplace directives, safety instructions or training methods.
We’ve come up with a few helpful suggestions for managers who work with those with Spanish speaking employees.
- State job instructions clearly and be careful about being too impatient with language barriers.
- Give employees with Limited English Proficiency time to respond.
Show employees what you need. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” - Don’t be shy about praising a job well done. Praise good work publicly and if there are any issues with an employee’s work – you need to talk to individual privately. “Saving face” is big in every culture.
- Encourage employees to take a greater role in decisions and management tasks and providing them the necessary tools to communicate more effectively with fellow employees and customers.
We’re proud to launch our new website. We’ve spent months developing our virtual home where you can find all our products and services, read my language learning blog, get a free quote, and sign up for our free monthly newsletter.
The site is user friendly, easy to navigate and updated every day. Make http://www.workplacelanguages.com/ one of your favorites!!