Indians take great pride in education and the fact that English is learnt and taught from an early age. While the knowledge is great. The execution is flawed. A cross between Hinglish is born and in many cases, either the speaker has no idea it's wrong, or finds an exaggerated accent works better to "identify" with the West.
In my years of working in the support system (Training), why are budgets restricted or why is there no importance given to a substantial training period dedicated to building someone's soft skills or language communication. We can argue on the ROI. And I am willing to dwell into that subject. But I think it comes down to the positive correlation between impeccable communication skills - and the reflexive reaction by the customers' or clients. People are willing to work more, build relationships, compromise and negotiate with people who speak better.
And when training is organized- it's haphazard, without a purpose or goal and rather just to tick it off their client's expectations. You've got a classroom full of blank-stared employees with varied proficiency and a trainer just spewing out grammar rules and culture blips on American Basketball and hotdogs- for 2 weeks. And I specifically talk about the MNCs here, because face it, in India the culture of "up-skilling" their employees and investing - hasn't caught on. And the only reason why MNCs do it, is because their clients want it.
So my question is this? Why aren't more companies investing more in training their employees in communication skills that are more relative and relevant to them. Why is it, that when broached no company is willing to admit that they have a need. And why aren't more HR and L&D departments more willing to invest in their employees growth and capability.
In my years of working in the support system (Training), why are budgets restricted or why is there no importance given to a substantial training period dedicated to building someone's soft skills or language communication. We can argue on the ROI. And I am willing to dwell into that subject. But I think it comes down to the positive correlation between impeccable communication skills - and the reflexive reaction by the customers' or clients. People are willing to work more, build relationships, compromise and negotiate with people who speak better.
And when training is organized- it's haphazard, without a purpose or goal and rather just to tick it off their client's expectations. You've got a classroom full of blank-stared employees with varied proficiency and a trainer just spewing out grammar rules and culture blips on American Basketball and hotdogs- for 2 weeks. And I specifically talk about the MNCs here, because face it, in India the culture of "up-skilling" their employees and investing - hasn't caught on. And the only reason why MNCs do it, is because their clients want it.
So my question is this? Why aren't more companies investing more in training their employees in communication skills that are more relative and relevant to them. Why is it, that when broached no company is willing to admit that they have a need. And why aren't more HR and L&D departments more willing to invest in their employees growth and capability.