The ultimate brain training
The leaders we interviewed spoke, on average, four languages, with many working across multiple languages on a day-to-day basis.
That experience of jumping between different languages also develops important leadership skills.
“When you speak multiple languages,” explains Perrucci, “different parts of the brain have to work together and make connections… It teaches your brain to be flexible about what you see and the way you interpret it”.
Zeeck likened it to working out: “Just as going to the gym improves your physical wellbeing, the mental challenge of learning a new language is good exercise for the brain”. It’s one of the reasons he provides all of his team language training.
The mental load of language
But hopping between languages and navigating different cultural nuances can take its toll.
“People whose first language is English often overlook the computing power it takes to work in your second or third language,” explains Bart Groen, Managing Director of International Wellbeing, Westfield Health, who only spends around a third of his time speaking his mother tongue.
“Even when colleagues are fluent in the language you're communicating in, it might still take them a bit more energy than you expect”, he continues. “By Friday afternoon, for example, I’m struggling to think fluently in whichever language!”.
The challenge of speaking up
For those who are less confident in their English skills, it can significantly impact the way they contribute at work.
Less than half (48%) of ESL speakers feel comfortable speaking up at work, and only 10% of employees with limited English proficiency felt they could express themselves fully at work.
The dynamic can change depending on who’s in the room. “I see the difference when ESL speakers are on calls with confident, fluent English speakers”, adds Valentina Milanova, CEO and Founder of Daye.
“They speak less”, she continues, “they caveat their contributions with “I might be wrong”, and you can see their English actually worsens because they feel more stressed”.
Without the right culture and support, businesses miss out on the benefits of an international team they’ve recruited.
Conscious leadership
The task of building a team and helping overcome the challenges of global working falls to business leaders.
The five leaders we spoke to shared practical tips for supporting global teams, including acknowledging and proactively addressing differences, avoiding interrupting ESL speakers, and using voice notes for sensitive communication to allow tone and emotion to come through.
More fundamentally, ESL speakers need business leaders to build a culture where it’s ok to make mistakes.
Leaders with first-hand experience of being an ESL speaker are uniquely placed to understand their increasingly global teams, pre-empt their challenges, and nurture a culture that allows difference to shine.
The journey from local roles to global leadership positions hinges on strong communication skills. The stories shared by our leaders demonstrate how English proficiency not only unlocks individual career potential but also drives organizational success through innovation and diverse perspectives. By fostering a culture that values and supports language learning, businesses can harness these benefits, ensuring their teams are prepared to excel on the global stage.
