It's common for clients to come back with questions and change requests even after you've delivered your best work.
Handling this feedback effectively is crucial for maintaining client satisfaction and improving your skills.
So, let me ask you:
What do you do when you deliver the work and the client comes back with questions and change requests?
Option 1: "Don't touch my baby!"
Option 2: Work with your client.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE OPTION 2
Your primary goal is to deliver an output that aligns with the client’s expectations and purpose. Achieving this requires a balance between maintaining accuracy and accommodating client preferences.
Here’s how to collaborate effectively with your clients:
Understand the client’s perspective:
Take the time to understand the client's needs and preferences. This understanding will help you make informed decisions about which changes to implement.
Engage in active listening when the client provides feedback. This shows that you value their input and are committed to delivering the best possible result.
Balance accuracy and flexibility:
Strive to maintain the integrity of the original text while being flexible enough to incorporate the client’s preferences. This balance is key to delivering accurate and satisfactory translations.
Defend your linguistic choices when necessary, explaining the rationale behind them. However, show flexibility by accepting valid client preferences that do not compromise the translation’s accuracy.
TYPES OF EDITS: NAVIGATING CLIENT REQUESTS
Understanding the different types of client edits can help you determine the best course of action.
Here are some common types of edits and how to handle them:
Client-specific terminology and industry-standard wording: These should be implemented as they reflect the client’s preferred terminology and industry standards. Consistency with client-specific language ensures the translation meets their expectations.
Linguistic corrections: If the client's corrections introduce errors or are linguistically inaccurate, politely explain the reasons and suggest better alternatives. Providing examples or references can help support your position.
Deviations from source: Partial Implementation: Implement deviations from the source text to a certain extent, ensuring they do not alter the meaning or accuracy of the original content. Discuss with the client to find a suitable compromise.
DEALING WITH CHANGES: DIPLOMACY AND PROFESSIONALISM
Approaching client feedback with diplomacy and professionalism is essential for maintaining positive relationships.
Here’s how to handle change requests effectively:
Stay calm and polite:
View feedback as a professional discussion, not a personal criticism. Staying calm and polite helps maintain a constructive dialogue.
Try to see things from the client’s perspective. Understanding their concerns can guide you in making appropriate adjustments.
Acknowledge reviewer contributions:
Give credit to reviewers when their suggestions improve the translation. Acknowledging their input fosters a collaborative environment.
Tactfully point out any reviewer errors, providing evidence or explanations to support your corrections.
Adapt to client preferences:
Accept client preferences whenever possible, even if they differ from your initial choices. Flexibility shows your commitment to meeting the client’s needs.
Suggest better alternatives if the client’s preferences compromise the translation’s quality or accuracy. Offering solutions demonstrates your expertise and dedication to excellence.
SETTING GROUND RULES: ESTABLISHING CLEAR BOUNDARIES
To streamline the feedback process, it’s important to set clear ground rules and choose your battles wisely.
Here are some tips:
Assert your expertise:
Do not undermine your expertise. Remember, you are the expert linguist. Confidently explain your choices while being open to client input.
Recognize that you are not the author. Your role is to deliver an output that fits the client’s needs and purpose, even if it means making some adjustments.
Set time limits for feedback:
Establish a time limit for receiving feedback and change requests. This ensures the project stays on track and helps manage expectations.
Communicate these timelines clearly to the client at the beginning of the project to avoid misunderstandings later on.
Your goal is to work with your clients to ensure the best possible outcome. Use their feedback as an opportunity to grow as a professional and build stronger relationships. You’ll not only meet client expectations but also improve your skills and reputation as a top-notch medical translator.
