Language Learning is a Member Care Issue

I am a strong proponent of learning language. When I was on the field, I had a plumbing issue in my flat. Because of my lack of language, getting the plumbing fixed became much more of a stressor than it would have if I had known the language. I ended up having to ask a colleague to translate for me to get the plumbing fixed.

Because of my lack of language I experienced a heightened frustration level and I had to inconvenience a team mate. This was a member care issue.

Language learning is important for many areas of a global worker’s life but it makes every day life easier. It makes developing relationships easier. It makes fulfilling our purpose easier. It makes everything easier.

I encourage you to make language a priority. Do the hard work. Be persistent. Make the time. Have the long view. Learning language may make your first term seem unproductive but over a career, it will make a big difference.

I never met a global worker who regretted learning the language. They always, without fail, testify that learning the language made them better, helped them stay longer, and equipped them to fulfill their purpose.