Today’s dot was written by Mateo Funes from Minot State University’s leadership class
Living in five different countries teaches you more than languages – it teaches you how to translate individuals from other cultures. Communication is everything, translation is never neutral. Sometimes not their words, but their intentions: their tone, their silence, or their reactions when things don’t go as expected. Whether in Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Portugal, or the U.S., I’ve learned that individuals tend to communicate in more ways than just speaking.
Sometimes leadership requires you to listen beyond the accent, the cultural behaviors/attitudes, or the awkward silence and uncomfortable pauses – and instead tune into the meaning beyond the words: “What is this person truly trying to communicate?”
In groups, we often assume that others think like us. When we say “urgent” or “teamwork”, do we all hear and find the same meaning to those concepts? I believe that culture shapes meaning, and your meaning shapes your behavior. What might feel like disinterest might simply be humility. What feels like conflict might just be a different way of expressing your passion.
Leadership isn’t just about talking – it’s about translating. Taking the initiative to understand individuals in their context. Choosing patience over assumptions. Cultural curiosity over control.
I often find myself as the “outsider” trying to understand. On the other hand, I’ve also been the one people try to understand. My international journey has taught me that effective leadership isn’t about asserting authority – it’s about being able to translate across cultural differences, create understanding, and make others feel heard and seen when the language is unfamiliar.
