In many organisations, one attitude still prevails:
Language skills? We’ll deal with that later.
Even more discouraging is when someone finally finds the courage to admit they’re struggling with a second language — only to be met with a response like:
“That’s not something to worry about right now.”
But language proficiency is not an afterthought.
It’s not something to be addressed only after the strategy is defined, the processes established, and the annual plan carefully constructed.
By then, it’s often too late.
And it’s certainly not a one-off learning goal.
Yes, you can offer someone a course – but experience shows that high language proficiency demands ongoing attention.
Language isn’t an optional extra; it’s a fundamental part of everything your organisation does.
From leadership and collaboration to customer contact, innovation, and employee well-being — when communication breaks down, far more can go wrong than you might think.
Language determines whether people truly understand each other
And we’re not just talking about spelling or grammar — it’s about the tone you adopt as a leader. The way colleagues give (or avoid giving) feedback, and the clarity of instructions.
It’s also about whether people feel safe enough to say: “I’m not entirely sure I understand.”
When there is no sense of safety: misunderstandings arise, deadlines slip, and team members quietly disengage. Language becomes an invisible productivity killer — and it can happen faster than you think.
Not a soft skill, but a strategic foundation
Language is often dismissed as a ‘soft skill’. But let’s be clear—that label does it a disservice.
Language isn’t soft, vague or optional. It’s the strategic foundation that underpins everything you consider essential: leadership, culture, change, customer focus, and inclusion.
In fact, research shows that organisations that prioritise language perform better, foster more inclusive environments, and experience lower employee turnover.
Empathetic, clear, and intentional language drives both job satisfaction and productivity.
So… how language-savvy is your organisation, really?
Do people feel free to speak up? Can they admit they have made mistakes? Do meetings run smoothly, even when not everyone shares the same first language? Are messages understood the way they’re meant?
Or do you sense friction? Misunderstandings? Silence?
Curious about what language is (or isn’t) doing in your organisation?
Download de whitepaper Language skills are not a ‘nice-to-have’ – they’re a strategic asset.
And discover how language quietly drives your organisation forward – or holds it back.
Ready to turn insight into impact?
Explore our courses offerings or get in touch. We’re happy to help you identify exactly what your team or organisation needs to move forward.
