Language Differences and Values (Mentoring in Two Languages) Andrea is a supervisor and has spent two years in the company's plant in Mexico as a part of the aggressive career plan put together by Bob, her mentor. Bob thinks very highly of Andrea and his plan could place her in the Senior Manager ranks within the next ten years. Bob wants Andrea to meet several executives who can open doors to the growth assignments Andrea needs for her career progress. Movement, however, has taken its toll. Upon receiving her last promotion, she left the plant in Mexico and fears that she will lose her fluency in Spanish which she believes is added value to the company. At a luncheon for mentoring partners in the company's executive mentoring program, Andrea notices that Carlos, a mentee from Puerto Rico was there without his mentor. She introduces herself in Spanish and invites Carlos to sit with her. Carlos accepts and they continue their conversation in Spanish, hardly noticing that Bob has very little to say. Bob believes his plans for the afternoon are being undermined. He has to choose an immediate course of action that would make the most of their networking opportunities with the executives without appearing insensitive to the needs of diverse populations in the program. If you were Bob, what course of action might you choose? Option 1: Nothing. You want to be seen as someone who is sensitive to the needs of diverse, global populations. You do not interrupt the Spanish conversation between the two mentees and continue to feel like an outsider at the table. You are frustrated that your plans for Andrea are being undone. Option 2: Ask that you and Andrea move to another table so that you can discuss your plans for the remainder of the day. Let Carlos wait for his mentor, who is sure to come along soon. Option 3: Explain to Andrea and Carlos your plans for the remainder of your time together. Ask Carlos, if he would like to come along when you introduce Andrea to the executives. Option 4: You want to raise the issue of blended languages with Andrea at your next mentoring meeting. You feel obligated to let Andrea know how the dominate culture reacts to feeling "excluded" when different languages are spoken around them and they cannot join in. Option 5. Other: Write in your own answers. Read more: View the results of Feb/Mar 2009 Dilemma, Working Together in Planning a Professional Conference Communication: My Way or the Highway View the results of Nov/Dec 2008 Dilemma, No harm no foul? Diversity on a global scale… View the results of Sep/Oct 2008 Dilemma, So, which race are you? View the results of Jul/Aug 2008 Dilemma, Would You Switch Parties to Rise in the Ranks? View the results of May/Jun 2008 Dilemma, Hiring A Muslin Too Risky? View the results of Jan/Feb 2008 Dilemma, A Promotion — is it because of Affirmative Action? View the results of Sep/Oct 2007 Dilemma, Pierced nose? Wild clothes? What to do with a productive "punk?" View the results of Jul/Aug 2007 Dilemma, What would you do in the face of an unclear law? back to top

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