Punctuality: Nice to meet you!

Hand in hand with professionalism

Some weeks ago, I booked a medical appointment. As a mum of three (beautiful and amazing children by the way), being on time is always a challenge. It involves rearranging the domestic routine beforehand, some kind of Impossible Mission pirouettes, and one or two magic tricks on the go.

Even so, I got to the doctor’s office a few minutes earlier (and I did it impeccably! Yay! ??). Couldn’t be otherwise. I sat comfortably in the waiting room and for quite a while I saw patients parading in and out, coming and going, but still nothing for me. I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting… ?

And all of a sudden and almost without realizing it, my linguist's soul started pondering??: What if after setting a deadline with a client (to make it clear: in mutual agreement), I took some extra time to send the deliverables for whatever reason? ?? Would that be fair for the other party who depends on me to get the job done in time? Definitely not professional at all.

None of us can escape unexpected events or unforeseen circumstances that alter our plans; we all know that, right? And I’m all about empathy, believe me! But missing a deadline is as unprofessional as showing up late for an appointment (on both sides!), no matter your qualifications or degrees.

So if you are team "Always against the clock", use the following to avoid it:?

?? Wait until the problem is solved (a general power outage) or find assistance (consult a technician to solve a computer issue).

?? Try hard to meet the delivery date, as hard as you possibly can (I mean, without crossing the #healthy line). You may extend your office hours or use a colleague’s help.

?? If the above still doesn’t work, reach to your client ASAP and explain the situation. You may work the drawback out together. Happened to me! That’s why I feel so fortunate to have found the perfect clients.??

?? In the event you get to deliver your files with great delay, you may offer some kind of compensation for the inconvenience. In certain occasions, this may be an investment for the future.

?Remember the BBC principles:

?? Be respectful of others; their time is as valuable as yours.

?? Be responsible; meet the requirements.

?? Commit yourself; hold up your side of the bargain.

Don't waste your time and start putting effective strategies in place (you certainly have your own ??) to avoid losing clients and damaging your personal brand. We want to succeed in business, not reduce our portfolio; at least, we need to keep the ones we already have.

Therefore, rely on experience and spot the positive in every situation. I personally had to deal with technical issues, the surprise effect of personal matters, and environmental uncontrollable pitfalls. And even though my first intention was to solve it by myself working around the clock, I learned the hard way:

Do this and you'll work more comfortably, increase your productivity, and be more creative.??

So before accepting your next job offer, plan your time ahead with professionalism and stick to it! ??

#Translation #Professionalism #LItranslators #TeamTranslator

??If you are a fresher in the industry and are having a hard time finding your first job as a translator, I invite you to read this post.