7th
Language Barrier or Excuse
Are there experts in your field that speak a different language than you?
Do you avoid reaching out to them because it’s uncomfortable?
How much would it take for you to get over being uncomfortable?
I think the tv show Amazing Race is one of the best examples of people getting over this feeling. In this show people have to travel the world while looking for clues and solving problems. Sure, it’s because they have a chance to win a bucket of money but it’s a great example of people trying to share important knowledge.
I’m a __________ (fill in the blank with currently popular term to describe someone who solves business needs with new or existing software).Though I was born and raised in the USA, my family has a strong Hispanic heritage. And while I can eventually convey my thoughts in Spanish, English is my first language.
In the technology industry I constantly meet experts who are not native English speakers. I approach these meetings in a way similar to that of the Amazing Race contestants. Simply put, I can’t get better if I don’t make the effort to communicate and understand the person who knows what I need to know.
I use tools like Google Translate and Windows Live Translator. Google also has a great mobile version which looks great, especially on the iPhone.
Face it, (Warning: Cliché ahead) the world is flat.
But more importantly with all the great things out there that you can learn, why would you want to live your life in a silo?
