How do you manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on translation choices?

1 Acknowledge Input

When you receive conflicting feedback on your translations, the first step is to acknowledge each stakeholder's input. This doesn't mean agreeing with everyone but rather ensuring that each person feels heard and valued. By validating their concerns, you create an environment where stakeholders are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue. This approach also helps you gather a comprehensive understanding of the feedback, which is essential for making informed decisions about how to proceed with the translation.

2 Assess Relevance

Once you've acknowledged all feedback, your next move is to assess the relevance of each piece of input. Consider the source of the feedback and the stakeholder's expertise in the subject matter or target audience. Some suggestions may stem from personal preferences rather than the needs of the project. By prioritizing feedback based on its relevance to the project's objectives, you can make more strategic decisions about which suggestions to incorporate into your translation.

3 Clarify Goals

To effectively manage conflicting feedback, you must clarify the goals of the translation project. Understanding the purpose of the translation and the intended audience will guide you in resolving discrepancies between stakeholders' suggestions. Clear goals act as a benchmark for evaluating feedback and making choices that align with the project's objectives. When stakeholders understand these goals, they are more likely to agree on which translation choices best serve the project.

4 Open Discussion

Facilitating an open discussion among stakeholders is a valuable strategy for resolving conflicts. Encourage stakeholders to express their reasoning behind their feedback and listen to each other's perspectives. This collaborative approach can lead to a consensus or a compromise that respects the essential points raised by each party. As a translator, you play a key role in steering this conversation and ensuring that it remains focused on achieving the best possible translation.

5 Make Decisions

After considering all feedback and discussing it with stakeholders, you must make decisions about your translation choices. While it's important to take into account the various opinions, remember that not all feedback can be incorporated. Your decisions should be based on which suggestions improve the accuracy, readability, and cultural appropriateness of the translation. Ultimately, you are responsible for producing a high-quality translation that fulfills the project's requirements.

6 Document Changes

Finally, document any changes you make to the translation based on stakeholder feedback. Keeping a record is essential for transparency and can be useful for future reference. This documentation should include a rationale for each change, showing how it aligns with the project goals and addresses the feedback received. By maintaining this record, you can provide clear explanations to stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to producing a collaborative and well-considered translation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?