MET workshops

Managing team projects

Some projects are best completed by a team because of scheduling, size and/or the need for more sets of eyes. Examples include edited volumes and urgent reports. When no agency is involved, translators and clients or authors can communicate directly, which improves quality, establishes professional relationships, builds trust and saves time. Managing team projects can provide an extra income stream for translators and editors; it can also enhance how our clients perceive us and our work. Giving and receiving feedback among colleagues helps hone our skills, and teamwork can provide a welcome change to working alone. But how to pull team projects off successfully?

Facilitator: Sandra Lustig

Purpose: To learn how to manage team projects for maximum benefit and minimum pain for all involved, and to prepare for the role of team manager.

Description: I will share the nuts and bolts of how I manage team projects and the philosophy behind my approach, based on almost two decades of experience. The main steps include identifying whether a project is suitable for a team, assembling the team, preparing a successful bid, structuring the workflow, assigning work, scheduling and monitoring progress. Other topics include communication, technologies, money, legal questions, reducing risk, managing terminology and handling problems. This workshop is about one-off projects for freelancers, but much of it is relevant for long-term collaboration as well.

Participants will first hear an introduction to the topic, in which I give an overview and outline my philosophy. The workshop will then guide participants through the steps involved in managing team projects. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own management approach and practice specific tasks individually or in small groups.

Participant profile: Translators and editors working in any field and with any language combination who are interested in collaborating with others on a team or considering whether to do so.

Outcome: Participants will gain an overview of how to manage team projects from start to finish, ranging from basic considerations for successful collaboration to some practical tools, and will have begun to take the perspective of team managers.

Preparation: No preparation necessary. Very basic skills working with spreadsheets (e.g. in MS Excel) are helpful, but not essential. Participants with experience managing projects are invited to bring any tips and tricks; all are invited to bring their questions.

About the facilitator: Sandra Lustig is a freelance translator, interpreter, moderator and editor (DE<>EN), and also works part-time as a translator at a German university. Born in the US, she grew up bilingual and has lived in Germany most of her life. Her work focuses on social sciences in the broadest sense, sustainable development, universities and the arts.