5 Foreign Languages Successful Leaders Must Learn

Communication is the cornerstone of a successful leader. Verbal and non-verbal cues are essential to effective communication, but the core essence of communication lies in language. Although a leader may be the best communicator in the world, the inability to speak the language of the other person on the table can limit his or her success and influence.

Globalization has made it essential for leaders to learn foreign languages to achieve their full potential and maximize success. In this article, we highlight the top five foreign languages that successful leaders must learn.

1. Spanish

Leaders who Speak Spanish: Michael Bloomberg, Will Smith, Paul Bulcke (CEO, Nestle)

With over 45 million people speaking Spanish as their first or second language in the United States and being the top third most spoken language in the world, learning Spanish can help you expand your personal and professional life. South America is a fast-growing market, and you will have access to around 400 million people once you learn the language.

There are plentiful resources available to learn Spanish, such as free Spanish classes online or websites like Rype that offer unlimited private lessons with a personal language coach.

2. Mandarin

Leaders who Speak Mandarin: Mark Zuckerberg, Kevin Rudd (former Prime Minister of Australia), Herbert Hoover (former U.S. president)

Mandarin is spoken by over a billion people globally and is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world. China’s economic strength and the unlimited opportunities in the future make learning Mandarin critical for success.

Whether you are a business owner, aspiring leader, or looking to expand your career prospects globally, learning Mandarin can be an excellent investment for your future.

3. Russian

Leaders who Speak Russian: Regina Spektor, Ho Chi Minh, Lokesh Chandra

Although unexpected, learning Russian is essential for success globally. The biggest country in the world, Russia, has a unique political and economic influence globally. Knowing the language, thus, can earn you an advantage in the business world. Besides, the language is highly creative, and its grammar is similar to other Slavic languages like Ukrainian, Czech, and Polish.

4. German

Leaders who Speak German: Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Germany is the most thriving country economically in Europe, with several big brands in the automobile industry, airline industry, and more. The country’s global impact on business, entertainment, and politics continues to thrive, offering unlimited opportunities for success.

Learning German is not only exciting but also highly beneficial as many words in German have the same meaning in English. Understanding German can also help you learn other European languages.

5. Hebrew

Leaders who Speak Hebrew: Natalie Portman, Ivanka Trump, Marilyn Monroe

Israel is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and research globally, and understanding Hebrew can help entrepreneurs seeking business deals or other opportunities in the country. Moreover, Hebrew is the oldest language globally and the language of the Bible.

Final Thoughts

Learning a foreign language is beneficial on many levels, including personal and professional growth. It broadens your cultural knowledge and makes you a global citizen. The languages highlighted in this article are not only trendy, but they open unlimited opportunities for success.

Which of these languages excites you the most? Can you speak any of them? Let us know in the comments below!