A leader needs to clearly explain the corporate vision to investors, shareholders and staff. A manager needs to ensure everyone is doing what they are supposed to do to keep things running smoothly and efficiently, and must use email, phone and face-to-face communication on a constant daily basis. Having labored speaking slows things down considerably and may even affect the productivity and profitability of a company.

These days there are many valuable leaders, managers and other staff who use English as a second language every day to communicate in this global business world. Some have immigrated to a new country to work, while others are foreign workers who are living temporarily in a host country. Still others are using ESL daily from their native home to do business with the world.

There is nothing wrong with having an accent. Cultural diversity is a strength. The problem is when poor pronunciation, wrong word choice and/or cultural misunderstandings negatively affect the delivery of important information, and thus cause confusion. This ineffective communication troubles the company or organization and also affects the individual’s personal confidence. It is an obstacle to success.