About This Lesson
Use Building employee buy-in for policy changes to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Las políticas suelen fracasar cuando los empleados sienten que se les imponen los cambios.
lahs poh-LEE-tee-kahs SWEH-len frah-kah-SAR KWAHN-doh lohs ehm-pleh-AH-dohs SYEHN-ten keh seh les eem-POH-nen lohs KAHM-byohs Policies tend to fail when employees feel changes are being imposed on them.
B
Es más probable que la gente se adapte cuando tiene una verdadera voz en el proceso.
ess mahs proh-BAH-bleh keh lah HEN-teh seh ah-DAHP-teh KWAHN-doh TYEH-neh oo-nah behR-dah-DEH-rah BOHS en el proh-SEH-soh People are more likely to adjust when they have a real say in the process.
A
Podríamos pedir sugerencias antes de finalizar el plan.
poh-DREE-ah-mohs peh-DEER soo-heh-REN-syahs AHN-tes deh fee-nah-lee-SAR el plahn We could invite suggestions before we finalize the plan.
B
Eso sacaría a la luz problemas prácticos que quizá no podamos detectar desde aquí.
EH-soh sah-kah-REE-ah ah lah looSS proh-BLEH-mahs PRAHK-tee-kohs keh kee-SAH noh poh-DAH-mohs deh-tehk-TAR dehs-DEH ah-KEE That would bring up practical issues we might not see from here.
A
También les da a las personas más motivos para que les importe el resultado.
tahm-BYEHN les dah ah lahs pehr-SOH-nahs mahs moh-TEE-bohs pah-rah keh les eem-POHR-teh el reh-sool-TAH-doh It also gives people more reason to care about the outcome.
B
Un plan viable aún necesita que la gente se sienta implicada.
oon plahn BYAH-bleh ah-OON neh-seh-SEE-tah keh lah HEN-teh seh SYEHN-tah eem-plee-KAH-dah A workable plan still needs people to feel invested.
A
La parte difícil es mantener la conversación constructiva y concreta.
lah PAR-teh dee-fee-SEEL ess mahn-teh-NEHR lah kohn-behr-sah-SYOHN kohn-strook-TEE-bah ee kohn-KREH-tah The hard part is keeping the discussion constructive and specific.
B
Entonces deberíamos hacer preguntas concretas en lugar de pedir opiniones de forma general.
en-TOHN-ses deh-beh-REE-ah-mohs ah-SER preh-GOON-tahs kohn-KREH-tahs en loo-GAR deh peh-DEER oh-pee-NYOH-nes deh FOR-mah heh-neh-RAHL Then we should ask focused questions instead of making a broad feedback request.Word by Word
Las
In 'Las políticas', this is the definite article meaning 'the' before a feminine plural noun. It agrees with 'políticas' and is used before a known group or category, such as workplace policies.
políticas
In 'Las políticas', this means 'policies', referring here to workplace rules or planned measures. It is the topic that can fail, and it commonly combines with verbs describing how policies work or are received.
suelen
In 'suelen fracasar', this presents failure as something that tends to happen. It combines with an infinitive to describe a usual pattern, useful when discussing recurring results.
fracasar
In 'suelen fracasar', this means 'to fail', referring to the policies not achieving their purpose. It appears after 'suelen' and can be used to describe a plan, policy, or effort that does not work.
cuando
In 'cuando los empleados sienten', this means 'when' and introduces the situation in which the policies tend to fail. It is useful for linking an event to the condition or time that triggers it.
los
In 'los empleados', this is the definite article meaning 'the' before a masculine plural noun. It identifies the employees as a specific group being discussed at work.
empleados
In 'los empleados', this means 'employees', the people affected by the changes. It is useful when referring to staff as a group in a workplace discussion.
sienten
In 'los empleados sienten', this means 'feel' and introduces the employees' perception of the changes. It is followed by 'que' when the feeling concerns a complete situation or belief.
que
In 'sienten que se les imponen los cambios', this introduces the content of what the employees feel. This linking word commonly connects a verb of feeling, saying, or thinking with a full clause.
se
In 'se les imponen los cambios', this is part of the construction that presents the changes as being imposed. Together with 'les', it shows that the employees are affected without making them the grammatical subject of 'imponen'.
les
In 'se les imponen los cambios', this means 'to them' and refers to the employees affected by the imposition. It is useful for identifying the people who receive or experience an action.
imponen
In 'se les imponen los cambios', this expresses that the changes are imposed on the employees. The construction focuses on the changes being forced on people, which is useful when discussing decisions made without agreement.
cambios
In 'los cambios', this means 'changes', referring to the policy changes being introduced. It commonly combines with verbs describing how changes are proposed, accepted, or imposed.
Es
In 'Es más probable que', this means 'is' and begins an assessment of likelihood. The expression is useful when comparing how likely an outcome is under different conditions.
más
In 'más probable', this means 'more' and increases the degree of likelihood. It combines with an adjective here to make a comparison about what is likely to happen.
probable
In 'Es más probable que la gente se adapte', this means 'likely' or 'probable'. It describes the expected possibility of people adapting, and the following clause states the condition connected with that likelihood.
la
In 'la gente', this is the definite article meaning 'the' before a feminine singular noun. It identifies the group of people being discussed.
gente
In 'la gente', this means 'people', referring to the employees or people affected by the process. It is useful for discussing a group collectively rather than naming individuals.
adapte
In 'la gente se adapte', this means 'adjust' or 'adapt' within the likelihood statement. The expression is useful when discussing how people respond to a new policy, system, or situation.
tiene
In 'tiene una verdadera voz', this means 'has' and describes people possessing a meaningful role in the process. It commonly combines with a noun to express having access, influence, or a resource.
una
In 'una verdadera voz', this means 'a' and introduces one meaningful form of participation. It agrees with the feminine noun 'voz' and is used when presenting the voice as a particular kind of influence.
verdadera
In 'una verdadera voz', this means 'real' or 'genuine', emphasizing that the participation is meaningful rather than merely symbolic. It modifies 'voz' and is useful for stressing the authenticity of someone's involvement.
voz
In 'una verdadera voz en el proceso', this means a real 'voice' or say in the process, not simply a physical voice. The full expression is useful when discussing someone's opportunity to influence a decision.
en
In 'en el proceso', this means 'in' and places the person's participation within the process. It commonly introduces the area, activity, or context in which someone has a role.
el
In 'el proceso', this is the definite article meaning 'the' before a masculine singular noun. It identifies the particular process in which people have a say.
proceso
In 'el proceso', this means 'process', referring to the steps through which the policy is developed. It is useful when discussing participation in planning, review, or decision-making.
Podríamos
In 'Podríamos pedir sugerencias', this presents 'we could' as a possible proposal. It is useful for suggesting an action without presenting it as a firm order.
pedir
In 'pedir sugerencias', this means 'ask for' and takes 'sugerencias' as what is requested. The pattern is useful when inviting information, advice, or contributions from other people.
sugerencias
In 'pedir sugerencias', this means 'suggestions', referring to proposed ideas for the plan. It is useful in meetings or consultations when asking people how something could be improved.
antes
In 'antes de finalizar', this means 'before' and places one action earlier than another. It is useful for explaining a step that must happen before a plan or decision is completed.
de
In 'antes de finalizar', this completes the expression meaning 'before' and is followed here by an infinitive. This pattern is useful for linking a prior action to a later action.
finalizar
In 'antes de finalizar el plan', this means 'finalize' or complete the plan. It is used after 'antes de' and is useful when describing the last stage before approval or implementation.
plan
In 'el plan', this means 'plan', referring to the proposed course of action. It commonly combines with verbs such as asking for input, finalizing, or implementing.
Eso
In 'Eso sacaría a la luz', this means 'that' and refers to the suggested action of inviting suggestions. It is useful for referring back to an idea and describing its possible consequence.
sacaría
In 'sacaría a la luz problemas prácticos', this means 'would bring to light' as a possible result. Together with 'a la luz', it describes making previously unnoticed issues visible.
a
In 'a la luz', this is part of the expression meaning 'to light' or 'into view'. Its contribution is understood together with 'sacaría' and 'luz' in the phrase about revealing issues.
luz
In 'sacaría a la luz', this means 'light' within the expression 'bring to light'. The phrase is useful when new information or hidden problems become known.
problemas
In 'problemas prácticos', this means 'problems' or 'issues', referring to difficulties that could affect the plan. It is useful for naming obstacles discovered during review or consultation.
prácticos
In 'problemas prácticos', this means 'practical', specifying that the issues concern real implementation rather than abstract ideas. It modifies 'problemas' and is useful when discussing workable details.
quizá
In 'quizá no podamos detectar', this means 'perhaps' or 'maybe' and marks uncertainty. It is useful when acknowledging that an outcome is possible without stating it as certain.
no
In 'no podamos detectar', this negates the ability to detect the issues. It is useful for stating that an action may not happen or may not be possible.
podamos
In 'no podamos detectar', this expresses that 'we may be able to' detect something, here under uncertainty and negation. It combines with an infinitive to describe a possible ability or limitation.
detectar
In 'podamos detectar', this means 'detect' or notice, referring to recognizing practical problems. It is useful when discussing issues that may be discovered through feedback or observation.
desde
In 'desde aquí', this means 'from' and marks the viewpoint or position from which the issues may be seen. It is useful when contrasting one perspective with information available elsewhere.
aquí
In 'desde aquí', this means 'here', referring to the speakers' current position or perspective. The expression is useful when explaining that something may be difficult to see from the present viewpoint.
También
In 'También les da a las personas', this means 'also' and adds another benefit to the suggestion already mentioned. It is useful for adding a further reason or consequence in a discussion.
da
In 'les da a las personas más motivos', this means 'gives' and describes providing people with reasons to care. It commonly combines with a recipient and something that is given.
personas
In 'a las personas', this means 'people' or 'persons', referring to those affected by the plan. It is useful when naming the recipients of a benefit or action directly.
motivos
In 'más motivos para que les importe el resultado', this means 'reasons' or motives for caring. It is useful when explaining what encourages people to value an outcome.
para
In 'para que les importe el resultado', this introduces the intended effect of giving people more reasons. The expression is useful for connecting an action with the result it is meant to produce.
importe
In 'les importe el resultado', this means 'matters to' or 'is important to'. It is useful for expressing whether an outcome has personal significance for particular people.
resultado
In 'el resultado', this means 'outcome' or 'result', referring to what the plan eventually produces. It is useful when discussing whether people care about the consequences of a decision.
Un
In 'Un plan viable', this means 'a' and introduces one workable plan as an example or possibility. It agrees with the masculine noun 'plan' and is useful when presenting a plan without identifying it as a specific known one.
viable
In 'Un plan viable', this means 'workable' or 'viable', indicating that the plan can realistically be carried out. It is useful for evaluating whether a proposal can function in practice.
aún
In 'aún necesita', this means 'still' and shows that the need remains even after the plan is workable. It is useful for emphasizing that an additional condition continues to matter.
necesita
In 'necesita que la gente se sienta implicada', this means 'needs' and states a requirement for the plan. It is followed by a clause describing what people must feel for that requirement to be met.
sienta
In 'se sienta implicada', this means 'feels' and describes the people's sense of involvement. The full expression is useful when discussing whether people personally identify with or support a plan.
implicada
In 'se sienta implicada', this means 'involved' or 'invested', describing a personal connection to the plan. It is useful for saying that someone feels included and has a stake in an outcome.
parte
In 'La parte difícil', this means 'part', referring to one aspect of managing the plan. It is useful for identifying the specific element that creates the greatest challenge.
difícil
In 'La parte difícil', this means 'difficult' or 'hard', describing the part that requires the most effort. It is useful for highlighting a challenge within a larger task.
mantener
In 'mantener la conversación constructiva y concreta', this means 'keeping' or maintaining the conversation in a desired state. It is useful when describing the effort needed to preserve a quality over time.
conversación
In 'mantener la conversación', this means 'conversation' or discussion, referring to the exchange about the policy plan. It is useful when describing a spoken or written discussion between participants.
constructiva
In 'la conversación constructiva', this means 'constructive', indicating that the discussion should help solve problems or improve the plan. It describes the conversation and is useful for setting a productive discussion goal.
y
In 'constructiva y concreta', this means 'and' and joins two qualities required of the conversation. It is useful for adding a second condition without creating a separate statement.
concreta
In 'la conversación constructiva y concreta', this means 'specific' or concrete, indicating that the discussion should focus on clear details. It is useful when asking participants to give precise, actionable input.
Entonces
In 'Entonces deberíamos hacer preguntas', this means 'then' or 'so' and introduces a conclusion or proposed next step. It is useful for connecting a previous observation with a practical response.
deberíamos
In 'deberíamos hacer preguntas', this means 'we should' and presents a recommendation. It combines with an infinitive to suggest a suitable action in a planning discussion.
hacer
In 'hacer preguntas concretas', this means 'ask' within the expression 'ask specific questions'. It is useful because Spanish uses this verb with 'preguntas' to describe putting questions to people.
preguntas
In 'hacer preguntas concretas', this means 'questions', referring to the focused prompts used to gather useful input. It is useful in interviews, meetings, surveys, and consultations.
concretas
In 'preguntas concretas', this means 'focused' or specific, indicating that the questions should request clear information. It describes 'preguntas' and is useful when broad feedback would be too vague.
lugar
In 'en lugar de pedir', this means 'place' literally, but the full expression means 'instead of asking for'. It is useful for contrasting the recommended action with an alternative.
opiniones
In 'pedir opiniones', this means 'opinions' or feedback, referring to people's views about the plan. It is useful when collecting reactions, judgments, or suggestions from participants.
forma
In 'de forma general', this means 'way' or manner. Together with 'de' and 'general', it describes how the request is made rather than what is requested.
general
In 'de forma general', this means 'general' or broad, indicating that the request is not focused on particular questions. It is useful when contrasting broad input with precise, targeted feedback.
Grammar Points
Es probable que + subjuntivo
Es probable que se adapte al proceso.
ess proh-BAH-bleh keh seh ah-DAHP-teh ahl proh-SEH-sohIt is likely that they adapt to the process.
Después de «es probable que», se usa el subjuntivo para expresar una posibilidad, no un hecho confirmado.
Condicional: -aría
Sacaría a la luz los motivos.
sah-kah-REE-ah ah lah looSS lohs moh-TEE-bohsI would reveal the reasons.
El condicional expresa una acción hipotética o dependiente de una condición implícita.
Spanish Vocabulary
adaptarse
verb
ah-dahp-TAR-seh
to adapt; to adjust
se adapte
que la gente se adapte
empleado
noun
ehm-pleh-AH-doh
employee
empleados
los empleados
finalizar
verb
fee-nah-lee-SAR
to finalize; to finish
antes de finalizar el plan
fracasar
verb
frah-kah-SAR
to fail
suelen fracasar
imponer
verb
eem-poh-NEHR
to impose
imponen
se les imponen los cambios
pedir
verb
peh-DEER
to ask for; to request
Podríamos pedir sugerencias
política
noun
poh-LEE-tee-kah
policy
políticas
Las políticas suelen fracasar
probable
adj
proh-BAH-bleh
likely; probable
Es más probable
proceso
noun
proh-SEH-soh
process
en el proceso
soler
verb
soh-LEHR
to tend to; usually to
suelen
Las políticas suelen fracasar
sugerencia
noun
soo-heh-REN-syah
suggestion
sugerencias
pedir sugerencias
voz
noun
BOHS
voice; say
una verdadera voz en el proceso
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
likely; probable
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probableto fail
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fracasarprocess
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procesopolicy