- Important content should be translated:
Humans need to communicate daily. The exchange of information, ideas, and opinions is a necessity for our mental, emotional and social well-being. We use language to communicate while face to face, over the phone, or in text messages via chat messenger apps. But how do you communicate with someone who doesn’t speak the same language? NEEO Messenger’s real-time chat translation feature can translate over a hundred languages in written and audio text. While using this app at least 90% of your problems concerning language barriers will be sorted. However, some other language barriers can come in the way of effective communication.
As the team leader, you should try to find ways of helping your team members work to the best of their abilities. All important documents should be translated into the language that most of the employees are comfortable with. But, while you’re doing this, you need to keep in mind that often in translation, the true essence of the content is lost. So whenever written material is handed out, it should be followed by a verbal discussion for further clarification. Also, NEEO’s document translation feature will be released soon so you needn’t worry about using separate software to translate your documents.
- Take help from a colleague/employee:
By giving instructions verbally you can convey your messages to the employees with more clarity. However, if some of them are still unable to understand then get someone to assist you. Find a person in the office who can act as a mediator between you and your employees. Pick someone you trust so that the message is conveyed clearly and there is no room for misinterpretation. Also, get this person to take feedback from the employees.
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- Schedule training sessions for employees:
When you start small but have big goals in mind, you need to be mindful of the growth of your employees too. Your business cannot grow the way you want it to unless every part of the organization, including the individuals, is growing with it. Present opportunities for personal and professional development to all your employees. Give them language classes if need be to make them feel more confident while presenting in front of clients and customers. Your investment in your employees is entirely worth it because at the end of the day they are representing your organization!
- Use images combined with text:
Make use of images rather than relying on oral explanation. Use graphs and pie-charts in meetings to discuss your progress in detail with employees. Get your company researchers to compile numerical data for other companies too. Compare results and share your goals for the company with your employees. Visuals are a powerful tool for communication, especially when combined with text. Make it a part of your routine to circulate images combined with motivational words via your chat messenger app in the official group. Members will work more efficiently when you use positive reinforcement.
- Explain several times if necessary:
If you are aware of language discrepancies in the workplace then be sure to cut your employees some slack. You cannot expect them to understand a concept the first time you present it to them. You might have to repeat the message several times to help them understand. It isn’t impossible to tell the difference between someone eager to learn and someone who isn’t interested enough. Give credit to those who keep trying and stay persistent. Use NEEO’s real-time chat translation feature to translate your instructions in text and audio form.
- Speak slowly and keep your volume low:
When you are talking to team members who are not proficient in the same language, keep your pace slow and the volume low. By stressing on words and speaking loudly you might make them feel stupid and deaf, which they aren’t. Speak your language the right way, smoothly and slowly and they’ll be able to understand. Also, try to use simpler words instead of fancy jargon. You don’t want to intimidate your employees and make them feel like ignorant fools. You want them to be able to feel satisfied knowing they understood you well despite the language barrier.
- Try to learn and speak their language:
Even though you are aware of the language differences at your workplace, you expect your employees to make an effort to understand you. But as someone higher in rank, you should equip yourself with some words from the language they speak. Communication cannot be effective unless both parties try to understand each other’s language. Make an effort to learn the language of your employees. Let them know you welcome diversity in your organization. Language barriers should not keep you from forming personal and professional bonds. NEEO Messenger eliminates language barriers with its real-time chat translation feature. The chat messenger app encourages you to indulge in cross-border communication with its HD Calling feature. You can make crystal clear calls to anyone anywhere in the world.
