One of the most frustrating things about working in another language is that you know that you are very capable and experienced and you know what you want to say! But in German, you sometimes sound like a less competent version of yourself. What I see with my clients each week is that there is a gap between their professional capability and how clearly they are able to communicate it in German-speaking contexts. It Is Not About Capability

If you value politeness, nuance and consideration in how you communicate, speaking up in German-speaking work environments can feel uncomfortable. I am sure you have plenty to contribute - but you need some time to think about how to say it. You listen carefully and wait for a good moment to contribute something. You prepare a sentence in English and then translate it in your head. And by the time you are ready, the moment has passed.

Last week’s weekly challenge on the mindset of Feierabend sparked some really interesting thoughts and discussions in our Hive and in my 1:1 sessions. Why is Feierabend such a big thing in Germany? And what can you take away from this concept to improve both your wellbeing and your productivity?