Personal Values/Morals - Part 3
by: Judy Beldon-Feldman CSC, NIC-M - NIR Interpreter Coordinator
*Personality Traits
*Personal Bias
*Personal Values/Morals
*Cultural Competencies
We are discussing Personal Values/Morals for part 3 of this series:
As we talk about interpreting, we must look specifically at some of the personal values or morals that guide the interpreter and the decision-making process, the settings in which they decide to work, which consumers the interpreters feel will be a good match, as well as what guides the ethical decision making that happens every day.
Ambitious
- As an interpreter how can you make sure that you stay ambitious and not allow yourself to become complacent in your skills on a daily basis?
Creative
- As an interpreter do you remain creative so that you think about how to choose signs/ words that would work best for each client? Do you just have one sign that you use every time you hear a specific word or do you take an opportunity to try and find a sign/word that would be a better fit?
Compassionate
- Are you maintaining an appropriate amount of compassion? Too much, and you may end up taking over or falling more into the “helper” role. Or too little, you may end up falling into the “machine” role.
Flexible
- Flexibility is a foundation to interpreting. We need to be able to meet every client’s needs which includes both Deaf and hearing consumers. The ability to modify your behaviors based on changes in the work environment is critical to success.
Honorable (Integrity)
- Someone who is honorable has integrity and acts according to their principals and ethics. Is this what you strive for as an interpreter? Is it evident to others?
Persistent
- Interpreters who are persistent work in relentless pursuit of their goals. It is important that interpreters continue to find areas in their skills to improve, while at the same time maintain skills in the areas that they feel that they have already mastered.
Disciplined
- Are you able to recover from setbacks, stress, or unexpected changes? Do you have a list of goals? Have you accomplished the highest level of certification? What are you doing to look specifically at YOUR skills?
Are there areas that you see which you feel that you may overlook? Are there areas that you feel you rank with a higher level of importance?? Are there any areas you feel that may need improvement?