How would you deal with an AE who is way too opinionated about the creative, has attitude/feels entitled and constantly argues with the creatives? Don’t want to be mean but can’t deal anymore.

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I would go to their supervisor and explain that (insert name) clearly wants to switch over to the creative side as they are constantly attempting to comment and argue for their creative vision. I’d add that all the creatives are aligned in wishing to support them pursue their dreams and are happy to recommend good portfolio schools and mentor them while they build their portfolio from scratch

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This is pretty standard these days. Please comment below if your creative department still has veto power over account. Not lately in NYC anyway (or I've just been at the wrong agencies). It's a hard poison pill to swallow for sure, especially when the GCD/ECD allows it.

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Talk to your CD and have that CD discuss it with the Account Sup or Account Director. This AE is way out of bounds.

likesmart

The entitlement, usually without experience, can be really tough. I try to listen, ask questions and really understand what they are asking for/ concerns are. If it makes sense after that I will try to find a creative way to solve it. If it is just annoying bullshit that is their opinion rather than actual client feedback I put my foot down. You can say no firmly without being a complete asshole. Try to just calmly explain why you’re saying no so they have a better understanding of where you’re coming from. But if it doesn’t work, just say, “No, that’s a creative call."

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I am dealing with a similar situation. AE is actively shutting CD out and giving creative feedback in their place. It’s beyond frustrating

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I see this often. Your AE is supposed to be your partner. I encourage AEs to provide feedback on overall creative, it’s good to get another perspective as long as it’s rooted in strategy and not plain, baseless opinions. And, in no way do they ever have the authority to overrule an ACD. So try and allow them a voice and feel free to accept or ignore as necessary.

That being said, your case sounds like a jerk looking to be important. Feel free to shut them down in front of the entire team. Tends to knock their ego down a bit in front of peers. Good luck

likehelpful

The same way you deal with a two year old: “When you poke Kitty in the eye, Kitty cries. Let’s not poke Kitty in the eye.” “When you did X, it caused Y and Z. Let’s not do X anymore.”

He probably has no idea how much he annoys you.

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@SE1 That’s when you kick it up the ladder to your CD. They can manage it from above. They’re probably trying to push you around b/c they know they can’t get their way above you. That sucks, but stand your ground and protect that creative.

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Huge 👆🏿💯

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I work at a place where even our CD would get overruled by an AE and where an account director was the only one on a photo shoot because she didn’t want our ACD there...

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Do you any reasonable arguments against the commentary coming from accounts? If so, blast away. They want to get in the game? Better grow some thick skin like creatives have. If by chance you have nothing to counter the AE, maybe the work isn’t all you think it is.

Love that, Huge

My life at FCB

Keep asking 'why' and idiots eventually shoot themselves in the foot. Or kick it up to a CD.

Most of the pushy AE's I've worked with either hate their current job as middleman between creative and client, so any way they feel part of the process (including pretending to be creative lead) makes their lives better.

Or, if it's a horrible client they just want to turn into Yes men, avoid client backlash, and produce shit work but at least they have free time to drink tonight.

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