Chatty clients have foreign worker in bind
Q. I am a foreign national and work at a law firm. When we have clients who speak the same language, they often talk to me in it in front of my colleagues and boss. It typically is harmless small talk, but I am nevertheless conscious of the fact that my colleagues cannot understand what is being said. So, my predicament is that I do not want to upset my colleagues by answering in the foreign language, but I also do not want to upset the client by answering in English. How can I meet this situation in an appropriate way?
J.D., Milwaukee
A. People speaking in a language everyone in a room doesn't understand is one of the most vexing problems in business today. In your situation you're walking a fine line between leaving some people out of a conversation or possibly upsetting a client.
The first step in a situation like this is to speak to the partner you report to. Show her you are aware of the predicament and want to do what's best for the firm. Assure her you are aware of the discomfort your conversations with clients may be causing for your colleagues. Let her know you will only converse in your native language when engaged in small talk in order to make the client feel more comfortable, and that you will immediately return to a language everyone can understand if the conversation turns to anything relating to business.
Also, let her know that any time a member of your firm wants to join the conversation, you will switch to English (which will encourage the client to switch as well). Keep any of these casual conversations with the client short.
Q. After receiving an annual award for Best Performance (criteria are performance based - not subjective voting), do you address your thank you letter to anyone else other than your immediate boss?
J.T., Minneapolis
A. First of all, congratulations on your achievement and for making the effort to send a thank you note. It is the appropriate response on your part. Certainly you should send the note to your immediate boss. In a small company, you might consider sending an additional thank you note to the chie executive or your manager's boss, though it's not necessary.
The note itself should be personal, preferably handwritten on note card stationery. It can be hand delivered, left on a desk, or sent through company mail. If you are in a different location, put a stamp on it and send it via regular mail.
NEED ADVICE? E-mail questions about business etiquette to bizmanners@globe.com; fax to 617-929-3183; or mail to Etiquette at Work, The Boston Globe, P.O. Box 55819, Boston, MA 02205-5819. Listen to Peter's advice at boston.com/news/podcasts.
