I get really anxious and have a hard time reading emails where I know there will be really challenging feedback or comments from the client. Obliviously, something I am working on as I rise in the ranks. Anyone experience this and have tips on how to manage it?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

“I am not my work”. Try repeating this. It sounds dumb but it could be helpful. The feedback is about the work, not you.

Edit: I understand the challenge. I ask my team to care A LOT about the work. I’m asking you to care about yourself more.

likehelpfuluplifting

Tsk. What a nice (and true!) response 👆🏼

likeuplifting

I don’t get so anxious that reading client comments is difficult, but my anxiety definitely kicks in when I see they’ve responded with “notes.”

likesmart

I’ve been in this biz for many, many years and I still feel my blood boil every time I read client comments. You need to take a deep breath as you look at the feedback and remind yourself to pick and choose your battles. Everything is subjective and a line you loved may not resonate with your client at all. It’s a matter of deciding that you can live with some comments and be willing to stand up and argue with others. If the clients still insist on making ridiculous changes after you’ve stated your case, then consider them advised and you’ve done your job.

like

Yup. You can serve them filet mignon but if they still want a greasy burger, that’s their choice.

like

Lexapro had personally helped me. My anxiety was bad and figured it was time to really treat it. I’m on a low dosage and it has helped me manage things more head on at work

like

You guys put these long responses on via mobile or on desktop? I could never thumb type this much.

funny

🙃

Post Photo
like

Never take it personally. The client asks you to do the job because you are the one who knows how to do it, so their comments will never be a reflection of the professional you are. Of course, if the feedback comes from another professional, the story changes, but the best I can recommend is to try to see what you can learn from that feedback and not be so hard on yourself. If you need some time to process all the comments, take it.

like

It's always disconcerting when the client feedback is negative to the point of causing anxiety.
My first thought is to look at the process. Preparation brings the best outcomes.

Client and creatives ought to be in lock step. Nothing should be a nail biter, sitting-at-the-edge-of-your-seat kinda surprise. Creative briefs start the process along with a strategy deck, brainstorms, mood boards and plenty of check ins.

The ideas sold to the client feed the executions. And creatives should pull up a seat for the client to partner, contribute and react along the way.

Client quirks of personal taste can throw a wrench at the work, but then we need to remind them of all the prep that came before that was agreed upon. Remaining faithful to the work, client personal taste should not undo all that thought and effort to appeal to their audience.

The prep work is paramount. Easier with the clients that are more trusting and understand the process, but an important bridge between us and them, managing expectations all around and minimizing missing the mark.

Crazy clients are out there, and the above doesn't work so well for them. Recognizing that can bring some perspective and solace, hopefully, in that you and your team did your best.

like

So well said!!! I feel like my best client relationships are those where the account team really take ownership of helping keep the client in lockstep with the agency team.

like

highly recommend that you take up meditation and journaling along with doing work that is just for you.

you are paid for work that someone else owns and that will require collaboration and letting go of criticism and changes that don’t align with your personal vision. there will be times when someone will see your work and leave it untouched but that is rare and not what the experience of advertising is mostly about.

you should cultivate work that is your own to bring you joy and know that no one else can affect what you want to put out as your vision. at the same time cultivate a practice of meditation that is focused on letting go which will help with the stress.

hopefully you will find a way and time when challenging feedback is less, but there is little accounting for taste. if you have your own work that is separate from work you will flex the creative muscles in ways you love and no one can comment on it.

breathe and find joy outside of the work and it will bring a greater ease to the work you are paid to do.

smart

To have self esteem, we need to do esteemable things. Do things outside of work to build your self worth, and you won’t feel destroyed by feedback.

like

well I didn't want the answer to this question to be "get a side project"🥲

funny

My response wasn’t meant to be mean. When nothing changes (especially us), nothing changes. Were you looking for validation and comfort or a solution?

I can relate big time. It seems a lot of responses are assuming the source of your anxiety is that client feedback diminishes your sense of self worth.

Not sure about you, but that’s not it for me. For me, it’s more about understanding how to course correct when the work is really thoughtful and follows a course of logic. Like, are we supposed to just start all over?

Specifically, it helps me to just listen/skim/ stay quiet while they give all their feedback. Then I take time away from it to try and cool off.

like

yeah, the self esteem thing hasn't come across my mind. looking for more mental toughness tips. this helps!

like

Everything you ever create will elicit reactions from other people, your ability to face, digest and reconcile that feedback will make you much more talented. It’s a trap to dismiss all notes as bad. Some are. Some are good and make things better if you are really open minded. Clients are tough because it’s their call end of day and they will have rough feedback. But the more you face feedback, the less it bothers you. It’s just their opinion of an idea, not you.

Related Posts

Hi Folks. Switching from product base to service base at level 9 in accenture in SAP Domain .
Can some1 explain how the journey starts from day 1.
Heard Noise abt client interviews , bench process,layoffs etc etc.
Need Serious Comforting advise.

like

Hello all, Mphasis reviews please. How are spotfire or other BI tools like tableau and Power BI projects there? How easy or difficult is it to switch technology and project there? How is the job security considering the current recession?

like

American Express Hi Fishers, I'm working at FIS and my client is American express.We were not given a holiday on diwali nor on Guru purab.But people working in Amex were on leave.Why is it so?

Hi fishes, URGENT!!!
I've put down papers in TCS. My project management is ready to give me early release. How probable is the HR to accept my LWD prepone request?

like

What are the best resources you’ve found that walks you through step-by-step, the data incident management process and what to ask your client?

like

When you are involved in an agile transformation for a client, do you prioritize advancing the agile maturity or driving the project to successful completion? Sometimes it feels like these things are mutually exclusive, or I need to wear multiple hats and go beyond “agile coach”.

Is it possible to get a Sr. Project Manager role or delivery lead at one of the big consulting agencies without having to travel an absurd amount and get paid 150k plus in total compensation?

Hi I have 2 offer one frm Crisil as a Private Equity Research Analyst offer of 12fixed
Other from M&G as Asst Mgr for Research profile offering 14fixed + 75kjb. I dont know how to compare. One is Client side research and other is Buy side portfolio monitoring. M&G team will be a new setup. Can you help evaluate?

Morning all- looking for a referral for remote position: project manager, implementation manager, PMP certified and will be obtaining Agile cert by end of year. 10+ years experience, also MBA grad.

Currently SC with Deloitte 2.5 years, cybersecurity heavy with background in healthcareIT.

Thanks in advance.

likehelpful

Have worked previously as business consultant, pm in banking domain (10 years) and now as Product manager for a Bank(1 yr) - what are the chances FAANG would be interested in my profile for product manager/ project manager profile?

like

My remit quadrupled+ in a recent re-org with no increase in pay/promotion, my new director is new to the company and was zero help, and I was passed over for recent promotion during the comp cycle. The new director essentially began shutting me down any time I ask for clarity in my career progression. Now they have taken credit for the project I’ve been building over the past year+ without giving me props whatsoever to higher ups. What is the best plan of action here?

like

Client gets distracted driving ticket. Pros adds no ops charge but it’s not on the ticket. Issue or not? He hasn’t received a new ticket.

When your project is on hold but they still make you come onsite for the week

Post Photo
like

Is it a good Idea to switch after 6 months if project is not suitable or should stay for longer?

like

For startup founders/people with a successful side project: How did you get the idea/inspiration for your business? I’m currently working at a Series B startup and my end goal has always been to found my own startup, but I graduated from college 2.5 years ago and I still have not had any great ideas cross my mind. I do spend a fair amount of time brainstorming. I don’t want to continue working here forever, but I’m struggling to generate that “this is it” idea to build a company for. Any advice?

like

I have got an offer for TL, client support. What is the difference between Sr TL and TL? I was hoping for the position of TL with 7 years of experience.

P.s. I don't know SQL, could it be the deciding factor?

Hi Fishes,

I received an offer (28 Lakhs + 3.9 Lakhs incentive) from Novartis for Sr Project Manager yesterday. This was just 13.6% more than my current earnings as Project Manager. I've given the reasons why I deserve at least 30% to HR. In response to that, HR has sent 2nd offer i.e. 29 Lakhs + 4 Lakhs incentive + 50k sign-on bonus. The 2nd offer is just 18.2% higher than my current earnings. Need your suggestion, if I could still negotiate with HR to finalize deal by asking for 25% hike?

like

Hello fello fishes,

I'm looking forward to a change in either Big4 or in MBBs in Delhi. I'm currently on a project outside Delhi and wishes to relocate back. Could somebody help me with vacancy and referral? Much thanks in advance! :)

If you wanted to work for your audit client, could you simply quit without anything lined up and then reach out for a job at the end of your two weeks? Private company if that is helpful information.

like

I am working for a client in infosys and the project is in initial stage and the go live is somewhere in January.

Now the thing is this project has lot of toxic people from client team and they play blame games on daily basis.

I am working as a team lead here and want to get deallocated from this project.

Please help me with right approach and save my soul.

like

More Posts

If you could, how would you change things to prevent yourself from becoming unemployed?

likehelpful

Book recommendations? All genre welcome but I usually read nonfiction

like

Does anyone have good book recommendations which talk about varying leadership styles?

like

Thoughts on messaging on the 10/21 Risk Assurance transition webcast for those staying in Assurance? Still as clear as mud.

like

Last week joined in hcl. I got better opportunity in other company.If I abscand in hcl.does it any problem?still I have not assigned to any project , iam in Bench now?

How many times a week do you hit the gym?

like

I’m trying to get my parents into adopting healthier eating habits but nothing is really sticking. Do you have any recommendations or like books I can give them to teach them what’s actually good to eat vs. falling for good marketing/ fads?

like

I'm plopped on the floor buzzed, single AF, surrounded by cats, and I have no regrets tonight.

likefunnyuplifting

There are what 750,000 desi h1bs in the US?? If even 10% of us protested and walked down the street, this green card ling wait racism/discrimination issue would be solved and we would all have hope and residency rights.

like

Going to India from DCA (flights were cheaper) but I live in Houston. Flight from DCA is at 10 pm. Should I book my flight from Houston to DC the same day or one day earlier? Given the flight cancela.

like

Larsen & Toubro Infotech How is LTI for scrum master role? And any idea on pay range?Larsen & Toubro Infotech

like

Hi everyone, I would be working in Arcesium as a contract employee (placed through a 3rd party vendor). Could you tell me how it would be for contract employees in terms of benifits, work life balance and any perks, etc. Thank you. Arcesium Tata Consultancy Infosys Cognizant Wipro

like

Just read that Dodge said that their new electric car will be "super loud." Isn't the point of electric cars being quiet so people enjoy them more?

like

Why were the Accenture raises, bonuses and promotions so bad this year?

like

Dubai 🐠 what are your favourite things to do in the region?

like

Hey folks, can we use our corporate sim to make make personal calls? Like do they keep a track or something?

like

Currently an experienced manager at PwC with an IT audit / IT risk consulting background. My Google profile has been referred - but I can't seem to get that first round interview. Had my resume professionally reviewed - not sure what else to do - any tips?

like

Hi,
I have offer for Salesforce Commerce Cloud B2C Developer position from these companies-
1)Infosys
2)Mindtree
3)TCS
4)VGL
Which one should I choose?
Thankyou for your help and suggestions.

like

For any real estate investors

22 years old and currently focused on using my left over income to invest and pay off my debt. I am set to pay off my college loans by next year and, when I do, I want to look into investing into real estate. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get into/learn more about real estate investing? Or how I can have enough knowledge on the topic to be able to invest wisely when the time comes?

Any books? youtubers? etc. How did you all learn about it?

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

Anyone else just waiting for impending layoffs or are we at the end of the recent wave?

like

Retirement: what are some ways you’re preparing besides having a 401K?

like

Any NYC based ACD ADs out there looking for full time, fun 360 work. Let’s chat.

likefunny

tfw your cco promises you more money and “forgets” after.

likeuplifting

Who is the main contact for Ogilvy recruiting?

likehelpfulfunny

How are things at Zenith these days? Recruiters have been reaching out to me frequently regarding roles there - that can either be a good or a very bad sign.

like

How is Zenith Verizon team in NY?

like

What’s the best group to work on at FCB Health?

like

NYC: Looking for a partner at a big agency here in the city. Ideally Senior though, feel free to reach out if you’re mid. Can’t say where at this point. DM your books to learn more. Sorry for be so vague in this post. Thanks in advance!

like

🐠 Would you rather work on award winning next level creative with zero work life balance or churn out mediocre work and have a healthy work life balance?

like

Hate to say it but uber is definitely in tune

Post Photo
likefunny

Tips/advice/things to consider while starting an ERG?

like

Hey Chiat NY 👋🏼 Just here to say I still love the Unexpectedly Human campaign.

like

I feel inadequate and unsure of how or if to acknowledge the US/Buffalo racist murders and terrorism of this weekend in the workplace. I don’t want to do disservice or unintentionally further traumatize anyone. I know my Black colleagues are traumatized. I am horrified. And yet we just have our meetings and I guess compartmentalize it away.

like

Does anyone here have a Peloton? I really want one but it's almost $3k all in so want to make sure I would use it!

like

What are good answers to an interviewer who asks “what’s your hiring philosophy?”

like

Does anyone have any insight on BBDO Dallas? Appreciate any info.

like

Have you ever used topresume or wonsulting services? Does it make sense to pay them?

like

Question for the old timers. What was it like when the ad industry was doing really well?

likefunnyhelpful

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal