We are reaching the end of this blog series on working with Multicultural Remote and Distributed Teams to prepare for the future of work. But there are still two crucial topics we would like to discuss. The first one is change and how our teams respond to it, build resilience, and adapt. And the second is future-proofing and what our teams can do now to get ready for the unknown.
These two topics are tightly interconnected and are especially important in our translation and localization industry, which so frequently shifts to accommodate new technologies, processes, and trends. As a company specializing in videogame localization, we are used to rolling with massive shifts, so for us, one constant reigns supreme: embrace change.
But this dictate is not exclusive to our industry, it’s not like we’re paying off some ancient karmic debts (or are we? 👀). According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), change is an inevitable part of any project lifecycle, and the ability to adapt is one of the key indicators of success. In the 7th edition of the PMI’s PMBOK, you will find entire chapters on embracing adaptability and resiliency, enabling change to achieve an envisioned future, and even prioritizing change management as a core value for leadership.
Understanding that adapting to change is a challenge that spans across all industries, project types, teams, and leadership not only alleviates the feeling that we’re alone in this but also provides an opportunity to look around and see what best practices others are implementing that we can adopt for ourselves. For example, you might be interested in learning more about Gamification in change management, adopting Lean Change Management or using storytelling to lead change.
But let’s get to the specifics. When does change happen? What usually changes? What are we talking about when we say we are experiencing change? And what has our experience working with this large team taught us? Here are a few scenarios you may run into:
1. A new tool is implemented or requested by your clients. Perhaps you know your TMS or Cat-tool inside out and feel safe with it and comfortable making the best of it. But then a wild new technology appears. When introducing a new tool to replace an outdated one, it’s beneficial to identify and compare the functionalities of both. Understanding what’s new and what’s been phased out provides a stable foundation for those who will utilize it, making the transition smoother. Don’t forget to update your data as well. Do you have tutorials that are now outdated? How much of your existing material can be recycled? Do you need to find a champion for the new tool if you have that system in place?
2. Your workflow is simplified or modified. You might think, “Hold up. If the workflow is simplified, it’s a good change, right?” Yes, of course it is! Not all change needs to be a bad experience. And efficiency is always welcomed, just make sure you’re aware of the implications it will have. I invite you to check out our previous blogs, The Efficiency Revolution and Adopting New Technology to get more insights into the impacts of efficiency.
3. Change with people. Perhaps your favorite coworker moves to another company, or the client of your dreams gets a promotion and is no longer in charge of your account. As sad as this can be, consistent and progressive adaptation to the new reality is what might work for you. Take this as an opportunity to learn from the new stakeholders involved or to reinvent yourself.
4. External forces. So, the previous 3 types of changes are so common that if you look at them from a distance, you start seeing them just as regular day-to-day situations and eventually learn how to incorporate them into your routine and tackle them with more confidence each time using your acquired knowledge. But what about those external circumstances that can’t be predicted, are sometimes super random and shift things dramatically? *Insert ominous music here* You know, like that massive tech failure that leaves you stranded in an airport and might affect all your systems as well. Or the whims of the stock market, which may affect your country or your business in unexpected ways. A few recommendations:
- Develop a contingency plan considering potential scenarios and how you will respond to them. Are you a fan of the Enneagram model? You might want to bring your type 01 and type 05 people together for this task.
- Encourage a culture of adaptability and continuous learning within your organization to better equip your team to handle sudden changes. Your type 03 and type 07 collaborators might be naturals at leading this initiative.
- Build strong relationships with reliable partners. Maintaining a diverse client base and future-ready workforce can provide stability in times of uncertainty. You don’t want to go through this alone, right? You type 02 and type 09 people can be of great help.
All in all, involving your diverse team and considering their talents and approaches to the different aspects of change can be the ultimate strategy.
Change can be scary, but it can also bring some brilliant opportunities and new chances to start again. You might just need a little distance and perspective to realize that a cluster of changes led you to where you are now, and that’s amazing!
I would like to finish this blog with an excerpt written by Jesse Paris Smith:
“When I looked up synonyms of ‘change’ as a noun, I found these words: development, revolution, transformation, innovation, shift. The simple definition of change is: ‘something made different; alteration.’
This definition is vague on purpose, as one change in itself is highly diverse in its own story. A change can be a loss, an ending, an addition, a beginning, a combination of any or all of these. It isn’t black and white in its’ meaning, it’s more nuanced than that. It can be joyful, sad, scary, exciting, terrifying – one change can contain a full spectrum of emotions and experiences. A change can be bright and airy, a change can represent destruction and despair. It’s an interesting word and concept, how it can mean just about anything, and the meaning can vary from person to person, story to story, moment to moment.”
The nature of change – Jesse Paris Smith
About the author:
Angie Tapia is a professional in translation, localization, project management and language services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpreting and a Master’s in Administration and Project Management. Her career includes a pivotal role as the Head of Language Services at the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games, where she led a team of 50 language services professionals and over 300 volunteers, providing over five million translated words and a thousand hours of interpreting. Angie’s work extends to academia, where she has served as a university professor since 2015. Currently, she channels her passion for innovation, technology and localization into her position as a Customer Success Manager at Terra Localizations, where she tailors solutions and streamlines processes for the videogame industry.