Recently, I shared Sider Road’s Diversity Workshop Offerings with a respected colleague who is originally from The Netherlands.
I have listened to her speak Dutch. Given that it’s easier for us to text and email vs. meet in person :), we have been connecting in English.
In an effort to demonstrate to her that I care about her origins, I responded to a text in Dutch. She was pleasantly surprised and I can only imagine the look onher face when I hit the send button.
The goal wasn’t for me to learn to Dutch or become fluent, it was to demonstrate that I cared enough to take an extra step of connection. Connection breeds Trust. Trust is the foundation for a long term relationship.
How did I do that? Google Translate. Simple enough. Type the sentence to be translated, select the language, press enter and voila….You will soon have a new BFF.
Below is the phrase, Have a good weekend, in Dutch, Portuguese, French and Spanish. Copy or paste either in an email or text to your friends. Let me what happens 🙂
Dutch: heb een geweldig weekend
Portuguese: Tenha um ótimo fim de semana
French: Passe un bon weekend
Urdu: ویک اینڈ اچھا گزرے
Spanish: Ten un excelente fin de semana
If you or your company is interested in diversion or inclusion training, we have worked with over 16 countries. Contact us.
Warmly,
Jocelyn and Team