Lost in Translation

Yesterday I asked a group of people a question. The words were simple — not long, complex or hard to pronounce — but the question itself had a deeper focus. Very much out of the realm of simple.

Question: “What is the worst part about being a man or a woman?”

Some were unable to think deeper than the surface of materialistic things. Some couldn’t answer at all because they lost it in translation, giving answers like “I love being a man” or “men are assholes.” Of course, that last one had nothing to do with the question posed.

This draws a simple yet interesting observation. All too often things are lost in translation — either because of a lack of listening, or unwillingness to listen, or a lack of comprehension and understanding. Don’t lose focus on important things by tracking down problems instead of solutions, or wasting time on the trivial. Don’t allow emotion to cloud judgment and cost you opportunity.

Answer the questions asked to you. The only way to do that is to start listening. Be sure you understand. Process and respond — or your opportunities for success will be lost in translation as well.