CEOs need to function in a global economy where English is the language that most people speak and understand. An inability to communicate well in a second language could become a massive obstacle when dealing with international business partners.
In many cases, it would be far more beneficial for a CEO to invest in learning English regardless of their level of fluency. It is the only way to gain excellent English skills and become genuinely globally relevant. CEOs looking to become involved on the international scene need to take advantage of premium apt services like Preply to brush up their English skills — even without being physically present.
This shows strong motivation and dedication and lets other people know that they are willing to put forth the effort to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
If there’s one thing great CEOs are appreciated for, it should be their desire for continuous growth. This desire to scale in leaps and bounds in business spurs many top-level executives to take skills such as English speaking seriously.
More than one billion people worldwide speak English, and this is about one-fifth of the world's population. The majority of these people are native speakers, but many have learned English as a second language.
But, it’s not just the number of English speakers that make it so relevant. It is the economic, financial, and political power that English-speaking countries wield. For example, two of the world’s superpowers —the United States of America and the United Kingdom— speak English natively. English continues to be the dominant business language today because both Great Britain and the United States have enjoyed unprecedented economic expansion in the last two centuries.
Furthermore, English is the official language of over 60 countries, and according to one report, over two billion people will be fluent speakers in the near future. This means that roughly a quarter of the world's population will be able to communicate in languages other than their own freely.
While political and historical factors contributed to English's globalization, its importance to business growth and communication has increased its popularity. English is the most widely spoken language globally, allowing businesses to reach the largest possible audience.
CEOs who speak English fluently can negotiate with potential partners in almost any other part of the world, spearhead global operations, communicate more effectively and efficiently, and ultimately grow the businesses they are in charge of.
Considering the obvious fact that it is the dominant business language globally, it makes obvious sense for every CEO to pursue fluency in English continuously. However, in a fast-paced world like the one we live in, CEOs can not reasonably be expected to dedicate hours to traditional language learning methods. Not many CEOs are eager to relive the ol’ college days of attending physical classes.
The best ways to learn English for a CEO are non-traditional. They do not involve a physical class. The new methods are faster, less demanding and are conveniently accessible. Key skills for the real world are not always taught in school.
Here’s a list of some modern-day approaches to language learning —
Online tutoring:
Online tutoring offers all the advantages of traditional tutoring — and more. Online tutoring fits perfectly into a CEO’s world, a world that is now greatly appreciative of virtual communications.
Through reputable language learning sites like Preply, CEOs can be connected with language professionals at any time. Imagine becoming a bit more fluent with the completion of each business trip you take! Hence it is more important to learn english for business.
Podcasts:
Listening to English is a great way to enhance fluency. CEOs can take advantage of podcasts that teach and speak English. Repetitiveness is key.
Conversation partners:
A conversation partner in your organization to constantly speak English with is always a great help. Schedule more meetings with your conversation partners, and you’ll find out that the more engagements you hold, the more fluent your English gets.
When Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten, made English compulsory in 2010 for all Rakuten employees, he had a plan. Mr. Mikitani wanted Rakuten to compete globally and expand its territories.
That plan worked.
In the same way, many CEOs must realize that if they are to lead expansion and growth efforts in their various organizations, it is crucial to be on top of their game when speaking English.
The CEOs who unlock fluency in English are the ones who will break the barriers that restrict personal and corporate growth. They’re the ones who’ll control their world.
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