Many of our clients became even better business communicators in English.  In our opinion, business English training is not only about learning new words and speaking more accurately. That is the foundation, of course. But it is also an opportunity to become a more refined business communicator and therefore a more successful professional. 

Expectations are different

Remember that the business skill you have developed is usually designed for one culture. So the way you work in your native language doesn’t have to be matched in an international setting. It’s not expected. When working in English, the expectations are not all higher or lower. They are just different. Your training is about the process of adapting.

It’s a leadership challenge

Working internationally can make even the most accomplished managers suddenly feel disempowered.  It’s a great leadership challenge to be able to stay focused on business goals and strategies while mindful of the fact that language exchange is different. It takes time, practice and patience.  But that is what our training is all about.

Your competence is not under threat

The thought of negotiating in English can even cause seasoned business people to suddenly change their body language and start communicating insecurity.  In some other cases, people try to cover the feeling of insecurity by exaggerating their own confidence.  Be yourself because your business competence is under no threat when the language of a meeting changes.

Stay focused and ensure clarity

Your counterparts would most likely prefer to stay in their comfort zone and have the meeting in their language too. Who wouldn’t?  But, don’t get distracted during the meeting by starting to compare your English to theirs.  Focus on what is being discussed and remember to communicate assertively if there is anything you don’t understand or need to have explained more clearly.  A professional international counterpart will always ensure that communication is clear for everyone.

So it’s not about being as “powerful”. It’s about maintaining your relaxed natural confidence in the non-native language-environment so that you maintain and even build on your full potential as a professional. We’ve been guiding international managers through this process for years.