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If it’s truly cruel and not constructive, just remember that they are probably miserable in their personal lives and you can feel sorry for them
Keep in mind that some people just get off on making other people hurt or feel uncomfortable. Keep that on their side. As others have said, you first have to make sure there isn’t a nugget of truth that makes the comments bite more, but if you’re sure they’re just being jerks, Duke that accordingly. I’ve had to address it with clients before and let them know that their behavior meant I couldn’t have good people on their account because my best people wouldn’t put up with it. Some clients adjust. Some don’t. If they don’t, find a way to separate the work comments from the jerk comments. Act on the work. Walk away from the jerk. If it gets too bad, see if you can switch accounts. Sometimes personalities don’t mix. If all else fails you may have to walk from the account. Most people won’t do this. But I’ve found that when my accounts knew we were willing to replace them if their behavior didn’t change we found ways to be civil again. Best of luck
Cry in the bathroom ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Most of the time it’s about the work and not you. Or the client got yelled at for something ridiculous, is kicking the dog, and you’re the dog
Just increase your skin thickness by 78%.
But seriously, I try to draw the line at what is cruel and what is constructive.
Teflon underwear.
First parse whether the feedback was about the work or the presenter, professional or personal. If the former, address what’s actionable and learn from it. If it’s just mean spirited, address it. Respectfully submit that it’s not helpful or appropriate. If they continue, fire them.
Make fun of them behind their back?
Anyone who says it doesn’t effect them really means they have a vice or coping mechanism to counteract.
Or they are sociopaths on their way to being CEOs one day
It all depends on the relationship with the client. Early in my career I walked into my boss’s office while he was being berated on speakerphone over some trivial crap. He calmly reminded the client how long he’d been a true partner, provided an example or two from those years that reminded how truly committed he was to the clients success, said he understood the frustration but perhaps they should set a later time to talk when the conversation could be more constructive, because he really wanted to address the root of the client’s unhappiness. The client apologized, calmed down, and they got to talking about what was really the issue and worked toward a resolution. I knew then and there, that was the kind of relationship I always wanted to have with my clients, and remembered from that day it had to be earned and built over time. I also learned some clients will never enable that kind of relationship and if the agency lacks the power to say no, you have to say no with your feet. Sometimes also the solution isn’t in that call when feelings are raw but 1:1 with the key client, explaining that you recognize they want great work- and you do too- but would appreciate they acknowledge those shared goals with constructive, respectful dialog, and thoughtfully explain where the last conversation fell short of that. I hope this client would be receptive to that type of conversation
Take comfort in that you only have to deal with them for a short amount of time. Imagine what they are like at home
If possible, try to cultivate your relationship with the client... I agree with the “kicking the dog” analogy above - Humanizing yourself to tough clients may help & make their dialogue with you more constructive
We used to have a client who sent nasty feedback while drunk at night. Made me feel bad for her if the only way she could muster courage was to get drunk and take it out on someone else
Meditation. It has made a world of difference for me
Brush it off. They’re on their high horse