The Discipline of Translation

Learning to Lead by Serving

Translation isn’t really about words. It’s about service.

When I translate from French to English or vice versa, there are usually several possible choices for a single word. The trick is not to pick the most “accurate” word in a word‑for‑word sense, but to choose the phrase that best conveys the original meaning. Expressions in French and English often don’t survive literal translation—so the translator must serve the listener by making the meaning accessible.

Leadership works the same way. How often do we explain something—whether to staff, colleagues, or a company—using the exact words in our own heads, only to discover that others don’t understand them? We may think our “translation” is faithful, but if the message doesn’t land, communication has broken down.

The discipline of translation teaches us that true leadership is less about asserting authority and more about making truth understandable. Leaders “translate” vision into language their people can grasp. By considering how the listener will receive and comprehend the message, we become far more effective in shaping direction and inspiring action.

I’d love to hear how language—whether in translation, teaching, or leadership—has shaped your own journey.