Let's start a little differently this time. Imagine that you own a prestigious international construction company. I bet you're already enjoying this thought, aren't you? Now, imagine that you have to travel around the world to various construction sites and communicate with local construction managers and workers to design and develop a solid project. Speaking English may not be an option in many countries, so learning a second language may be the best idea .
There is no doubt that the construction industry is becoming more multinational and that people from different continents and cultural backgrounds come together to design, organize and complete a construction project. The following 10 points can show you why it's always a good idea to learn a second language and it's a beginner's mistake to underestimate the power of communication on the construction site:
1. Increase work efficiency
Communication is fundamental in any type of project and language is the tool with which you can make everything happen. When you communicate well with your colleagues, it becomes easier to increase your team's productivity and obtain higher quality results. Furthermore, giving instructions is much simpler and there are much fewer misunderstandings.
2. Construction is already a multilingual market
As we mentioned above, construction is a very globalized industry. The example of the United States is quite representative. The WCA's Flaghip Building and Gymnasium study showed that Hispanics now make up 21.4% of the U.S. construction workforce. It is clear, then, that there are also other languages with a strong presence on site and project managers should not take the use of English for granted.
3. You increase your chances of expanding into new markets
Sometimes you can have the knowledge and great service, but not the right way to communicate with the market. A second language can help tremendously in this direction. Even though construction is a very international field, starting negotiations with a company that doesn't speak English in your language is definitely a big advantage. When your competitors start to get lost in translation, you will be closer to closing the deal.
4. You have a significant competitive advantage
Being able to speak a second language can really boost your career. Who wouldn't like to have someone in their construction company who can communicate with potential clients or other construction agents in a language other than English? A second language is, without a doubt, a strong investment in your CV.
5. Workers may not speak English
When working on international projects, you should keep in mind that there will be many locals working on your construction sites. It goes without saying that you can't expect everyone to speak English. Unless you want to be stuck using your own “construction babel” on site.
6. You reduce security risks
Clearer instructions lead to stronger communication and, as a result, fewer risks taken. In other words, it is a significant factor in your effort to stay ahead of risk . By learning a second language, you can cover any possible gaps in communication that could be the reason for dangerous or even fatal incidents in certain circumstances.
7. There is full disclosure in terms of communication
A construction manager needs to know everything about an ongoing project. Especially when you have to cooperate with so many different people, it is vital that you can work without limitations. Otherwise, you will have to constantly depend on someone else to communicate with the other project agents. Be independent by learning a second language.
8. Lack of communication can be used as an excuse to ignore instructions
There are a large number of people working on a project/construction site and, let's face it, some of them may not be the most laid-back or hard-working people. If you can speak their language, you eliminate the possibility of them making excuses to ignore directions or plan changes.
9. Language can be a barrier in building long-term relationships with other colleagues
Working is more than just carrying out projects. It's also about making friends and creating connections with people with whom you share the same challenges every day. This is simply impossible if you don't speak the same language. Don't miss out on this essential part of work experience, just because you're too lazy to start learning some Spanish/Italian etc.
10. Being bilingual is cool!
Being bilingual is awesome. That simple! Recent studies have shown that people can develop their cognitive abilities and significantly improve their decision-making abilities when learning a new language. Simply put, coming into contact with a second language helps you become smarter.
It's obvious, then, that learning a second language in construction could be one of the best ideas you've ever had. This way, you can break down communication barriers and open doors to new opportunities for you and your construction company.
