THE PROBLEM
This week, it was reported that Anshu Jain, the head of the investment bank at Deutsche Bank, is learning German as part of a “charm offensive” to improve his chances of becoming chief executive.
But in the era of global business, does a chief executive actually have to learn the language of the company’s home market?
THE ADVICE
The consultant: Stephen Brooks
Anshu Jain’s initiative is a helpful gesture, demonstrating he recognises and values Deutsche Bank’s roots and its consumer market. However, it is not necessary for the chief executive to speak the language of their company’s home market. In general, what matters is that key stakeholders feel the CEO understands the organisation, its customers, employees and shareholders.
Language only becomes an issue if people do not buy into the CEO’s strategy or him personally. Equally, it is doubtful he will have time to become fluent, and speaking German poorly would be counter-productive. A president can win friends with “Ich bin ein Berliner”, but not a CEO.
The writer is a specialist in people management and organisational change at PA Consulting
To visit PA's human resources page, please click here.
To find out how PA can help your organisation to be fit for the future, please click here or contact us now.
PRINT
EMAIL
TWITTER
LINKEDIN
FACEBOOK
FEEDS