A key function of any leader, in fact one of the key
measures that differentiate a good from a great leader, is their ability to
translate.
I am not referring to an ability to speak foreign
languages. Rather I am talking about the
process in which the needs of the client are communicated to those responsible for
implementing a solution.
This process takes place on multiple levels every
day and the better that those interactions take place, the more likely that the
results will be positive.
Here are some examples that demonstrate the point.
1. A
CEO meets with a major client. That client
expresses, in their internal language, their needs. The CEO must then translate that need back into
his/her organization’s language to affect a solution.
2. A
mid-level manager meets with team members to discuss their needs in order to
perform their duties more efficiently.
That manager must then translate those needs into a language understood at
the executive level in order to get funds allocated or policies changed that
allow for the maximization of potential.
3. A
purchasing manager meets with a potential supplier. The purpose is to source specific products
for the company. If the purchaser cannot
translate company needs into a language clearly understood by the supplier,
there may be a disconnect between need and solution.
Each of these examples illustrate that being an
effective communicator requires translation skills to advance the
conversation. Everyone in leadership
roles must be constantly aware that we don’t all speak the same language even
when it is the same tongue.
Failure to interpret needs properly invariably leads
to failure in outcome. The best leaders
know this and constantly hone this skill.
Poor leaders miss the point and struggle to understand why their best
efforts continue to come up short.
Merry Christmas
Joyeux
Noel
Buon
Natale
Feliz
Navidad
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