It has almost been a year since we have begun with our weekly collaboration with GREF: AN OPEN DOOR TO ENGLISH. We would love to hear some feedback – or let’s just say – suggestions. The debate was opened last week at our round table – Is it worth the money invested? – Does the company see the returns? – Should we oblige the students to pay for all or part of their training? – to name a few. So – we invite you to comment below, or to send an email to: empresas@metodoelingua.es

Reading this article, one may get the impression that the future is already here. When speaking of trends – do you usually consider that the preparation for future necessities is included? I mean – the topics include how the babies being born this year will live to be over a hundred years old.

The first headline does grab my attention though GENERATION Z – really? It that competition on already? Are we not still trying to find jobs for the previous (at least two) generations?

There does seem to be a clear trend though on attracting future employees – not just speaking of talent. This goes in line with what I would have predicted in this field – how to engage burnt out employees, or what to do with an older generation who is still work – worthy.

What would your predictions include? Care to elaborate? Do you notice a big difference in corporate culture within Spain – and, a big difference of corporate culture – upon comparing with other first world countries?

Elingua is proud to announce an event we are having in the heart of the financial area of Madrid – at the feet of the Torres Picasso. Sign up (empresas@metodoelingua.es) for our Master Class – you will NOT be disappointed! Send us a quick email and we’ll fill you in on the details.

Before going on with this article – NOTE DOWN THIS DATE: 24th of May, 2019. We are having an event, at the foot of the Torres Picasso. You WILL enjoy it – the title of the talk is «Be Like Water». If you write to me: jcardinal@elingua.es I will send you the program.

This article gives a general overview of the situation that we are currently undergoing in Spain. A few questions come to mind: Isn’t it obvious? What damage does it really do? Are we just discovering this? I mean, ever since I’ve been here (over 25 years now!), stargazers know that they have to leave the capital in order to dream in good conditions. What we DIDN’T know is that it is actually doing harm to our future – is it true? Does this mean that the plants are no longer being pollinated? According to this article, there is a relatively easy solution. If that is the case? Why is this even a subject? Ah… THERE is your homework.

Suggested homework:

1. What is the real damage done by the light pollution?
2. How can it be avoided?
3. What cons come to mind when thinking of the solution?

Sometimes I have to stop the person I’m speaking with and ask them «Excuse me, but what exactly did you mean to say with ___?». It’s a bit complicated for me to follow the Spanish meaning of the English words, now used as something «cool». I’d love to hear your opinions – I tend to remember that a few years ago, most people were dead set against them, and it was considered treason to your own language to adapt words in English – just naturally including them into your sentences. So – what has provoked this cultural change? Is it, indeed, a cultural change? Do you hear many people speak like this, or is it only me?

Here is an interesting article with some well used English words (as of late) in the Spanish language.

Ok – it’s a slight exaggeration (I’ll never get old ;)), but now that I’ve got your undivided attention – what should we do about it? Whatmore, a few questions come to mind – how do we treat the elderly? What age shall we be expected to work until? How long will the younger generation be socially accepted in the homes they grew up in?

At an event last week – an excellent point was brought up. I had never stopped to think about it. In other countries – it is quite normal to be attended by an elderly person when you go to anyplace (receptionists, waiters) – I mean, if it’s a job they can do – it’s normal that they do it. Here in Spain – those jobs are quite typically assigned to young people. Do you see that changing in our cultural ADN as the population ages?

Read onto this article – it’s not the exact same topic – but more or less. So – the obvious homework for the day is answering the above questions and – let the debate begin!

Everyone has conflict in their lives – at some level. But – exactly how good at it are you? I mean – do you let it become conflict, or do you have a technique and actually enjoy it? Oh – and let me be clear – by conflict – I mean any sort of conversation in which at least two parts have a different opinion. It may or may not be necessary for every part to end up sharing that opinion – it depends. However, it is somewhat common that most people need you to think like them. What do you do?

This article is grand – touching on actual techniques, that – guaranteed – if you follow through with them – you will end up on top of the conversation (at least in your mind!). This of course, in turn, gives a certain edge on the rest of your day.

Suggested homework:

Think about what you currently do to hand a difficult conversation (even if you don’t have a thought-out technique) and write a list of what you would recommend to others.

Now read the article, compare language, and actions taken.

What have you learnt?

Have a great day!

First things first – the picture is “just a pretty window” – I didn’t want to steal any images. Follow through with the article and to her web and you will have plenty to see of her original work.

At this stage of life, we all know that our companies must and can do their part in forging a better – more sustainable future.  But – does it have to be so ugly?  I’ve had so many conversations with people who shared an unwarranted opinion with me – that solar energy didn’t work anyways, and why would we want to damage the views!?  If we were to listen to this designer – the excuses would be up.  Enjoy this short Ted Talk and see how this woman will change the non-believers.

Suggested homework:

What ideas does she give in her talk, as initiatives that anyone could take on as their own?

Have you thought about taking serious steps in improving your clean energy? How would you go about it?

Ok – we can take this with a grain of salt. I mean – we are in Spain and not the USA. I tend to see less humour involved in business here in Spain. I also see that women in business are very serious anyways. Is that even a fair statement? I hadn’t really thought about it until now.

I don’t think I’ve been very fair. I avoid the topic of woman’s day. It doesn’t make me feel so good. Am I the only one who that happens to?

But then surveys like this come out. And I believe them. Of course I believe them.

We are, without a shadow of a doubt, perceived in a much different way. So now you know it – if you are a woman, and plan on giving a speech – careful with the jokes.

Suggested homework:

obviously – your thoughts.

PLEASE go onto the original article and read more!

This is a tear jerker and it has an effect on anybody, I’d say. So – tell the truth – how much time do you invest in listening to motivational speeches? Is a situation of «If you’ve heard one, you’ve heard them all.»?

Tell me what you think after watching this video.

Link to original source on Youtube.