| Simply put, a good interpreter is critical to the success of a Kaizen event. At Amelise, we understand that having a foreign consultant lead a Kaizen workshop requires a tremendous commitment of your financial and human resources. With so much at stake, you need to ensure you get as much as possible from your event. Here are some questions clients have asked Amelise regarding our interpreters:
How much Kaizen experience do you have?
For this kind of work, being fluent in the right languages is not sufficient. Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen—whatever name you choose, there’s an entire vocabulary that goes along with this process. Amelise interpreters have years of Kaizen experience, so when talk turns to Standard Work Combination Sheets, 5S, 3P, or Pull Systems, we won’t miss a beat. Our knowledge means your company get the most out of the consultants’ time.
Can you handle simultaneous interpreting?
During Kaizen events, the goals are challenging, and time is of the essence. You simply cannot afford to waste time trying to sort out communication issues. We simultaneously whisper-interpret all English into Japanese, so there is no lost time.
Are you comfortable on the shop floor?
Kaizen does not typically take place in a conference room; you need an interpreter that can keep up in the workplace environment. Amelise interpreters know manufacturing terminology, and are accustomed to donning safety glasses and speaking over the noise of machinery.
Will I get a new face every time?
At Amelise, we’ve learned that when it comes to Kaizen events, consistency is invaluable. You work to develop a relationship with the consultant, so why not the interpreter? On assignment, the interpreter becomes familiar with your company-specific vocabulary, your people, and your plant. That rapport makes each subsequent event easier for you and for the consultant. We do our best to send staff on repeat assignments, and if scheduling restrictions don’t allow it, we communicate internally to make sure the alternate interpreter is fully briefed.
Do you have references?
We are confident of our quality, but the success of your Kaizen event is too important to take our word for it. We encourage you to contact our customers so you can hear someone else’s opinion of the work we do.
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