We used to be able to assert the need to speak both English and French on the fact that we live in a country with two official languages.  In today’s global society, even grasping two languages is below average in terms of linguistic skills of the world’s top business people.  Interviews show that top CEOs and officials are now averaging between three and six spoken and written languages in their repertoires. 
While I am not completely illiterate in French (I would rank my one-time fluency at an intermediate level now), I kick myself for letting an unfortunate situation with a high school language teacher sidetrack my foreign language education.  I intermittedly dabble in French, Spanish and Italian Teach-Yourself aids (inspired by travels through the European continent), but need to make a more concerted effort to solidify my skills and make my linguistic fortitude a business skill.  Here is a quick list of positives to knowing one (or more) foreign languages in the workplace; so rustle up that dusty library card and hit the books; it could do more than just help you order a coffee in St. Petersburg!Learn another language…
1. To increase global understanding – you cannot truly access and understand, and therefore effectively interact within, another culture without understanding and using its language.
2. To improve employment potential – companies want to compete globally and therefore need to deal with cultures “on their own terms”.  That’s where the multi-lingual business professional comes in.
3. To increase native language ability – becoming more versed in foreign languages increases our understanding and abilities within our own native language.
4. To sharpen cognitive and life skills – aptitude in languages is a direct link to increased mental flexibility and creativity.
5. To appreciate international literature, music and film – as a business and social tool, understanding what actually happened in a performance of La Traviata could lend itself useful when smoozing with your hometown’s Old Guard (usually influential business leaders)

I usually cannot stand the sport of golf…I think it has to do with memories of wanting to watch cartoons as a child, but being denied by my sports-obsessed father because the PGA Tour was on.  As I have grown up, and learnt the value of the sport as a business tool, I have grown to actually enjoy a good day on the green.  Friday was an absolutely gorgous day….not too hot….and a work tournament made for fun in the sun (and some classic goofing off) at Caledon Country Club….putters up!