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Professional development in the language
Languages, and particularly English, have become a fundamental tool in business and professional development in almost any area. According to an article published in Harvard Business Review, more and more companies are adopting English as their lingua franca. This means that it is the language that is used as the main means of communication, since the company's employees and operations are distributed in different countries that do not share the same native language.
This highlights the need to learn English. However, knowing a language is different from professional development in it. The latter requires that the learning of the language accompany the advancement of a professional career. Each specialty area needs to use languages in specific ways. This includes everything from a particular vocabulary, to subtleties related to the work environment, and even the culture derived from working for companies from different parts of the world.
Professional development in language can have important benefits for both employers and employees. Another article published by Harvard Business Review notes that companies are often faced with the dilemma of hiring outside for middle management positions or developing their junior staff for these same jobs. Higher-level positions require better command of languages. However, according to the article, all stakeholders benefit when lower-level employees are promoted. For employees, this represents attractive career growth opportunities. For companies, this is the best option because junior staff already know the culture of the company, so they often become better leaders.
Given the above, providing opportunities for employees to develop their language skills is one of the best investments a company can make. This allows them not to depend on outsiders who are unfamiliar with the company for leadership positions. For employees, this means that developing professionally in a language is a great way to grow within your company.
This highlights the need to learn English. However, knowing a language is different from professional development in it. The latter requires that the learning of the language accompany the advancement of a professional career. Each specialty area needs to use languages in specific ways. This includes everything from a particular vocabulary, to subtleties related to the work environment, and even the culture derived from working for companies from different parts of the world.
Professional development in language can have important benefits for both employers and employees. Another article published by Harvard Business Review notes that companies are often faced with the dilemma of hiring outside for middle management positions or developing their junior staff for these same jobs. Higher-level positions require better command of languages. However, according to the article, all stakeholders benefit when lower-level employees are promoted. For employees, this represents attractive career growth opportunities. For companies, this is the best option because junior staff already know the culture of the company, so they often become better leaders.
Given the above, providing opportunities for employees to develop their language skills is one of the best investments a company can make. This allows them not to depend on outsiders who are unfamiliar with the company for leadership positions. For employees, this means that developing professionally in a language is a great way to grow within your company.
