Building Employee Buy-In for Policy Changes | Learn French in English

French lesson set in a contemporary Paris everyday setting: At work, two adults discuss how to build employee buy-in for policy changes by inviting focused suggestions before finalizing a plan..

EN → FR / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Building Employee Buy-In for Policy Changes to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Les politiques échouent souvent quand les employés ont l’impression qu’on leur impose les changements.

lay poh-lee-TEEK ay-SOO soo-VAHN kahn lay-zahn-plwah-YAY ohn lam-preh-SYOHN kohn luhr im-POHZ lay shahnzh-MAHN Policies tend to fail when employees feel changes are being imposed on them.
B

Les gens sont plus susceptibles de s’adapter quand ils ont réellement leur mot à dire dans le processus.

lay zhahn sohn ploo syoo-sep-TEEBL duh sah-dap-TAY kahn teel ohn ray-el-MAHN luhr moh tah DEER dahn luh proh-seh-SYOO People are more likely to adjust when they have a real say in the process.
A

Nous pourrions demander des suggestions avant de finaliser le plan.

noo poo-ree-OHN duh-mahn-DAY day syoo-zhes-TYOHN ah-VAHN duh fee-nah-lee-ZAY luh PLAHN We could invite suggestions before we finalize the plan.
B

Cela ferait ressortir des problèmes pratiques que nous ne voyons peut-être pas d’ici.

suh-LAH fuh-RAY ray-sohr-TEER day proh-BLEM PRAH-TEEK kuh noo nuh VWAH-yohn puh-TETR pah dee-SEE That would bring up practical issues we might not see from here.
A

Cela donne aussi aux gens davantage de raisons de se soucier du résultat.

suh-LAH dohn oh-SEE oh zhahn dah-vahn-TAHZH duh ray-ZOHN duh suh soo-SYAY dyoo ray-zool-TAH It also gives people more reason to care about the outcome.
B

Un plan réalisable nécessite quand même que les gens se sentent impliqués.

uhn plahn ray-ah-lee-ZAHBL nuh-sess-SEE kahn MEM kuh lay zhahn suh SAHNT an-plee-KAY A workable plan still needs people to feel invested.
A

Le plus difficile, c’est de garder la discussion constructive et précise.

luh ploo dee-fee-SEEL say duh gar-DAY lah dee-skoo-SYOHN kohn-strook-TEEV ay pray-SEEZ The hard part is keeping the discussion constructive and specific.
B

Alors, nous devrions poser des questions ciblées plutôt que de solliciter des retours très généraux.

ah-LOR noo duh-vree-OHN poh-ZAY day kes-TYOHN see-BLAY ploo-TOH kuh duh soh-lee-see-TAY day ruh-TOOR tray zhay-nay-ROH Then we should ask focused questions instead of making a broad feedback request.

Word by Word

Les “Les” is the plural definite article meaning “the” in “Les politiques” and “les changements.” It is used before plural nouns when referring to specific things or people. In this dialogue, it introduces workplace policies and changes.
politiques “Politiques” means policies here, referring to workplace rules or measures. It is the subject of “Les politiques échouent.” Use it with “les” when referring to specific policies.
échouent “Échouent” means fail in “Les politiques échouent.” It describes the policies as not producing the intended result. Here, the subject is “Les politiques,” and the form is used for something that fails.
souvent “Souvent” means often and shows that the failure happens regularly rather than only once. It appears with “Les politiques échouent souvent.” Use it to describe a repeated or common situation.
quand “Quand” means when and introduces the situation in which the policies tend to fail. In “quand les employés ont l’impression,” it links the outcome to employees’ perception. Use it before a clause describing a time or condition.
employés “Employés” means employees, the people affected by the policy changes. It appears in “les employés” and is the subject of “ont.” Use it for people working in an organization.
ont “Ont” means have in “les employés ont l’impression.” It expresses that the employees experience or hold an impression. Here it is used with the expression “avoir l’impression que” to introduce what they feel.
l’impression “L’impression” means the impression or feeling in “ont l’impression qu’on leur impose les changements.” The expression “avoir l’impression que” introduces a perception about a situation. Here, the employees feel that the changes are being imposed on them.
qu’on “Qu’on” means that people or that one in “qu’on leur impose les changements.” It introduces the clause describing what the employees feel is happening. The form combines “que” with “on,” a subject referring here to people in general.
leur “Leur” means to them in “qu’on leur impose les changements.” It identifies the employees as the people affected by the imposing. Use it before a verb when an action is directed toward them.
impose “Impose” means imposes on in “on leur impose les changements.” It describes putting changes on people without giving them a real choice. Here, “on” is the subject and “leur” identifies the affected people.
changements “Changements” means changes, specifically the policy changes being discussed. It appears as “les changements,” the thing being imposed. Use it for alterations to an existing plan, rule, or situation.
gens “Gens” means people in “Les gens sont plus susceptibles de s’adapter.” It refers generally to the people involved in the process. Use it to talk about people as a group.
sont “Sont” means are in “Les gens sont plus susceptibles de s’adapter.” It links the people to their likelihood of adapting. Here it is followed by the expression “plus susceptibles de”.
plus “Plus” means more in “plus susceptibles de s’adapter.” It increases the degree of likelihood compared with another situation. Use it before an adjective to express a greater degree.
susceptibles “Susceptibles” means likely here, not simply vulnerable or sensitive. In “plus susceptibles de s’adapter,” it describes people who have a greater likelihood of adapting. The construction is followed by “de” and an infinitive.
de “De” links “susceptibles” to the action that is likely to happen in “susceptibles de s’adapter.” It introduces the infinitive “s’adapter.” This is a reusable part of the pattern “susceptible de” followed by an action.
s’adapter “S’adapter” means to adapt or adjust in “plus susceptibles de s’adapter.” It describes people changing their response to fit the new situation. Here it follows “susceptibles de” and names the likely action.
ils “Ils” means they and refers to the people who have a real say in the process. It appears in “quand ils ont réellement leur mot à dire.” Use it as the subject when referring back to a group of people.
réellement “Réellement” means really or genuinely in “ils ont réellement leur mot à dire.” It emphasizes that their participation is genuine, not merely nominal. It can be placed before the phrase or action it emphasizes.
mot “Mot” normally means word, but in “leur mot à dire” it is part of an expression meaning to have a say or voice. The whole expression, rather than “mot” alone, describes having influence in the process. Here it refers to employees’ ability to contribute to the decision.
à “À” is the linking word in “leur mot à dire,” an expression meaning to have a say. It connects “mot” with “dire” inside that construction. Here the expression describes participation in a decision.
dire “Dire” means to say in “leur mot à dire.” Inside the expression “avoir son mot à dire,” it contributes to the idea of expressing one’s opinion or having a say. Here it refers to employees being able to contribute to the process.
dans “Dans” means in and places the participation inside “le processus.” In “leur mot à dire dans le processus,” it identifies the setting in which people have a say. Use it before a noun naming a process, place, or context.
le “Le” is the singular definite article in “le processus.” It means “the” and introduces a specific process. Here it refers to the decision-making process being discussed.
processus “Processus” means process in “dans le processus.” It refers to the steps through which the plan is developed. Use it with “dans” when describing participation within a process.
Nous “Nous” means we in “Nous pourrions demander des suggestions.” It identifies the speakers as the people proposing the next action. Use it as the subject when including oneself with others.
pourrions “Pourrions” means could and presents a possible suggestion in “Nous pourrions demander des suggestions.” It makes the proposal less forceful than a direct instruction. Here it is followed by the infinitive “demander.”
demander “Demander” means to ask for or request in “demander des suggestions.” It introduces the thing being requested. Use it with a person or a requested item, as in the exact construction “demander des suggestions.”
des “Des” is the plural indefinite article in “des suggestions,” meaning some suggestions. It introduces suggestions without identifying a fixed set. Use it before a plural noun when referring to an unspecified amount.
suggestions “Suggestions” means suggestions in “demander des suggestions.” It refers to ideas offered to improve the plan before it is finalized. Use it with “demander” when inviting people to contribute ideas.
avant “Avant” means before and introduces the step that must happen first in “avant de finaliser le plan.” It places the request for suggestions before finalization. Use it before a noun or, as here, before “de” plus an infinitive.
finaliser “Finaliser” means to finalize in “avant de finaliser le plan.” It describes completing the plan in its final form. Here it follows “avant de” and takes “le plan” as its object.
plan “Plan” means plan in “finaliser le plan.” It refers to the proposed policy plan that is being developed. Use it with “le” when referring to this specific plan.
Cela “Cela” means that or this and refers back to the proposal to request suggestions. In “Cela ferait ressortir,” it presents the previous idea as the cause of a possible result. Use it at the start of a sentence to refer to an idea or situation just mentioned.
ferait “Ferait” means would make or would cause in “Cela ferait ressortir des problèmes pratiques.” It presents a possible consequence of requesting suggestions. Here it is used with the infinitive “ressortir.”
ressortir “Ressortir” means to bring out or make stand out in “ferait ressortir des problèmes pratiques.” Together, “ferait ressortir” describes making previously unnoticed issues visible. Here the object is “des problèmes pratiques.”
problèmes “Problèmes” means problems or issues in “des problèmes pratiques.” It refers to difficulties that may become visible through employee suggestions. Use it with an adjective such as “pratiques” to specify the kind of problems.
pratiques “Pratiques” means practical in “des problèmes pratiques.” It describes issues connected with real working conditions or implementation. Here it modifies “problèmes.”
que “Que” means that or which and introduces the clause “que nous ne voyons peut-être pas d’ici.” It connects the practical problems with what the speakers may not currently see. Use it to introduce information describing a noun.
ne “Ne” is the first part of the negative frame “ne voyons peut-être pas.” Together with “pas,” it makes the clause negative. Here the speakers say they may not see the practical problems from their current position.
voyons “Voyons” means see in “nous ne voyons peut-être pas d’ici.” It describes what the speakers currently notice or recognize. Here it appears inside the negative expression “ne voyons peut-être pas.”
peut-être “Peut-être” means perhaps or maybe in “nous ne voyons peut-être pas.” The components “peut” and “être” combine here into one expression that marks uncertainty. It softens the claim that the speakers do not see the issues.
pas “Pas” means not and completes the negative frame “ne voyons peut-être pas.” It shows that the speakers may fail to see the issues from their current position. Use it together with “ne” in this type of formal negation.
d’ici “D’ici” means from here in “nous ne voyons peut-être pas d’ici.” It describes the speakers’ current viewpoint or position. Here it limits what they can see without input from elsewhere.
donne “Donne” means gives in “Cela donne aussi aux gens davantage de raisons.” It describes another benefit that the proposal provides to people. Here it is followed by the recipient “aux gens” and the thing provided, “davantage de raisons.”
aussi “Aussi” means also and adds another benefit to the one already mentioned. In “Cela donne aussi,” it shows that the proposal has an additional effect. It commonly appears near the verb or at the beginning of a sentence.
aux “Aux” means to the in “aux gens.” It is the contracted form of “à” and “les,” and it marks the people who receive the reasons. Use it before a plural noun when “à” is followed by “les.”
davantage “Davantage” means more in “davantage de raisons.” It indicates a greater number or amount of reasons. Here it is followed by “de” and the plural noun “raisons.”
raisons “Raisons” means reasons in “davantage de raisons de se soucier du résultat.” These are motives that make people care about the outcome. Use it with “de” to introduce the action or concern that the reasons support.
se “Se” is the reflexive part of “se soucier du résultat.” It shows that the people themselves are the ones experiencing the concern. Here it belongs with “soucier,” not with “donne” alone.
soucier “Soucier” means care about in the reflexive expression “se soucier du résultat.” The expression describes people taking an interest in or being concerned about the outcome. Here it is used with “du résultat” to identify what they care about.
du “Du” means of the in “se soucier du résultat.” It is the contracted form of “de” and “le,” linking the expression “se soucier” to the specific result. Use it before a masculine singular noun when “de” is followed by “le.”
résultat “Résultat” means outcome or result in “se soucier du résultat.” It refers to what the plan ultimately produces. Here it is the thing about which people are encouraged to care.
Un “Un” is the singular indefinite article meaning a or one in “Un plan réalisable.” It introduces one workable plan without referring to it as an already identified item. Here it comes before the masculine singular noun “plan.”
réalisable “Réalisable” means workable or feasible in “Un plan réalisable.” It describes a plan that can be put into practice. Use it after a noun when evaluating whether a proposal can realistically be carried out.
nécessite “Nécessite” means requires in “Un plan réalisable nécessite quand même que les gens se sentent impliqués.” It states what is still needed for the plan to work. Here it introduces the clause “que les gens se sentent impliqués.”
même “Même” is part of the expression “quand même,” which means still or nevertheless here. It emphasizes that the requirement remains true despite the plan being workable. The whole expression modifies “nécessite.”
sentent “Sentent” means feel in “que les gens se sentent impliqués.” It describes the people’s personal sense of involvement. Here it appears with “se” and is followed by “impliqués,” describing how they feel.
impliqués “Impliqués” means involved or invested in “se sentent impliqués.” It describes people who feel that they have a meaningful connection to the plan. Here it completes the expression “se sentent impliqués.”
difficile “Difficile” means difficult in “Le plus difficile.” In this context, it identifies the hardest part of the task. It is used to describe the challenge of keeping the discussion constructive and specific.
c’est “C’est” means it is in “Le plus difficile, c’est de garder la discussion constructive et précise.” It identifies what the hardest part consists of. Here it is followed by “de” plus the infinitive “garder.”
garder “Garder” means to keep or maintain in “garder la discussion constructive et précise.” It describes maintaining the discussion in a useful, focused state. Here it takes “la discussion” as its object and is followed by descriptions of that discussion.
la “La” is the singular definite article meaning “the” in “la discussion.” It introduces the specific discussion being managed. Here it comes before the feminine singular noun “discussion.”
discussion “Discussion” means discussion in “garder la discussion constructive et précise.” It refers to the conversation about the policy plan. Here it is the thing that should remain constructive and specific.
constructive “Constructive” means constructive in “la discussion constructive et précise.” It describes a discussion that contributes usefully to developing the plan. Here it is one of the two qualities the discussion should maintain.
et “Et” means and and links “constructive” with “précise.” It joins two qualities that should describe the discussion. Use it to connect equivalent words or phrases.
précise “Précise” means specific or precise in “la discussion constructive et précise.” It describes a discussion that stays focused rather than remaining vague. Here it is the second quality expected of the discussion.
Alors “Alors” means then or so and signals a conclusion drawn from the preceding discussion. In “Alors, nous devrions poser des questions ciblées,” it introduces the proposed next action. Use it to connect a reason with a resulting suggestion.
devrions “Devrions” means should or ought to in “nous devrions poser des questions ciblées.” It presents a recommendation about what the speakers should do. Here it is followed by the infinitive “poser.”
poser “Poser” means ask or pose in “poser des questions ciblées.” Although it can have other meanings, it refers here to asking questions. Use it with “des questions” in this construction.
questions “Questions” means questions in “poser des questions ciblées.” These are the focused questions intended to obtain useful feedback. Use it as the object of “poser.”
ciblées “Ciblées” means focused or targeted in “des questions ciblées.” It describes questions designed to obtain specific information rather than broad comments. Here it modifies “questions.”
plutôt “Plutôt” is part of “plutôt que de,” meaning rather than. In this sentence, it introduces the preferred action and contrasts it with making a broad feedback request. Use the whole construction to compare two possible actions.
solliciter “Solliciter” means to solicit or request in “plutôt que de solliciter des retours très généraux.” It describes asking people to provide feedback. Here it follows “plutôt que de” and takes “des retours” as its object.
retours “Retours” means feedback in “solliciter des retours très généraux.” It refers to responses or comments from employees about the plan. Here it is the information being requested.
très “Très” means very and intensifies “généraux” in “des retours très généraux.” It shows that the feedback would be especially broad rather than focused. Use it before an adjective to increase its degree.
généraux “Généraux” means general in “des retours très généraux.” It describes feedback that lacks a narrow, specific focus. Here it modifies the plural noun “retours.”

Grammar Points

ferait ressortir + nom

Un processus précis ferait ressortir les problèmes pratiques.

uhn proh-seh-SYOO pray-SEE fuh-RAY ray-sohr-TEER lay proh-BLEM PRAH-TEEK

A precise process would bring out the practical problems.

« Ferait » est le conditionnel présent de « faire » et exprime ici un résultat possible ou hypothétique.

plutôt que + infinitif

Solliciter des retours ciblés plutôt que demander des retours généraux.

soh-lee-see-TAY day ruh-TOOR see-BLAY ploo-TOH kuh duh-mahn-DAY day ruh-TOOR zhay-nay-ROH

To seek targeted feedback rather than ask for general feedback.

« Plutôt que » introduit une alternative et est suivi ici de deux verbes à l’infinitif.

French Vocabulary

demander verb
duh-mahn-DAY to ask for
échouent verb
ay-SOO fail
employés noun
ahn-plwah-YAY employees
finaliser verb
fee-nah-lee-ZAY to finalize
impose verb
an-POHZ imposes
leur mot à dire phrase
luhr moh tah DEER their say; a say in the matter
ont l’impression phrase
ohn lam-preh-SYOHN have the impression
politiques noun
poh-lee-TEEK policies
processus noun
proh-seh-SYOO process
s’adapter verb
sah-dap-TAY to adjust; to adapt
suggestions noun
syoo-zhes-TYOHN suggestions
susceptibles adj
syoo-sep-TEEBL likely

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

policies

Show Answerpolitiques

likely

Show Answersusceptibles

imposes

Show Answerimpose

employees

Show Answeremployés