What do you do if the progress of your delegated translation assignments is not up to par?

1 Assess Quality

When the quality of translation assignments is lacking, it's crucial to evaluate the work objectively. Determine whether the issue is with the accuracy of the translation, the language fluency, or perhaps cultural nuances that have been overlooked. Once you've pinpointed the problem areas, communicate your findings clearly to the translator. It's important to provide constructive feedback and specific examples of where improvements are needed. This can often lead to a better understanding of your expectations and an improvement in the quality of subsequent translations.

2 Set Expectations

Initially setting clear expectations is essential for successful delegation, particularly in translation where precision is key. If progress is subpar, revisit the initial instructions provided to your translators. Ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the project's requirements, including tone, context, and any technical terminology specific to the field. It may be necessary to provide additional resources or guidelines to clarify these expectations. Remember, effective communication from the start can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3 Monitor Progress

Regular check-ins are vital when you've outsourced translation work. If you're noticing that progress isn't up to par, increase the frequency of your monitoring. Request updates at specific milestones, and consider setting up short, regular meetings to discuss the project's status. This will allow you to catch issues early and adjust deadlines or resources as needed. It also keeps translators accountable and informed about how their work fits into the larger project timeline.

4 Provide Support

If your translators are struggling, consider what support you can offer to help them meet your standards. This might include access to additional translation tools, reference materials, or even the assistance of another language expert. Sometimes, providing moral support and showing appreciation for their efforts can also go a long way in motivating them to improve their performance. Remember that your goal is to enable your translators to succeed, which in turn ensures the success of your project.

5 Adjust Resources

When translations are not progressing well, it may be time to evaluate your resource allocation. Perhaps the workload is too heavy for the current team, or specialized knowledge is required for certain aspects of the project. If necessary, redistribute tasks among your translators or bring in additional help to ensure that all aspects of the translation are being handled by someone with the appropriate expertise. Balancing the workload can significantly improve both progress and the quality of the translation.