Last updated on Jul 2, 2024

You're facing disrespect from a client in a meeting. How do you effectively handle their behavior?

Facing disrespect from a client during a meeting can be a challenging situation that tests your professional composure and relationship-building skills. It's crucial to address such behavior effectively to maintain a healthy business environment and ensure mutual respect in your professional interactions. This article will guide you through practical steps to handle disrespect from a client, helping you navigate the situation with poise and assertiveness.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 5 contributions. Learn more

1 Stay Calm

When confronted with disrespect, your first reaction might be to respond in kind. However, keeping your emotions in check is crucial. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to process what's happening. Remember, staying calm doesn't mean you're accepting the behavior; it means you're in control of your response. By not escalating the situation, you demonstrate professionalism and set the tone for a constructive resolution.

Add your perspective

Paula Fox

Sr. Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence, Strategic Leadership, and Business Transformation for Sustainable Growth
Report contribution
Staying calm and not engaging in that behavior is how you will set yourself apart and show your leadership and maturity. However, you don't want the disrespect to take over and let others see that you can't handle the situation. If the disrespect is in front of others, say something like, I see you are frustrated so let's table this until we have a chance to talk alone. Don't let it overtake the meeting and handle it one on one when you can.

Like

Unhelpful

2 Assess Intent

Sometimes, what comes off as disrespect may not be intentional. It's important to assess the situation objectively. Consider if there might be cultural misunderstandings or personal stressors influencing the client's behavior. Understanding the context can help you address the issue more effectively, allowing for clearer communication and potentially diffusing the situation without further conflict.

Add your perspective

Paula Fox

Sr. Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence, Strategic Leadership, and Business Transformation for Sustainable Growth
Report contribution
It's important to note that many people don't mean to come across rude or disrespectful so if you can approach the conversation with positive intent until you really understand the reasoning, it will help you de-escalate the situation quickly. Ask open ended questions like, please explain the context of your comments so I can understand where this is coming from or can you step back and explain when this started and how it's escalated to this place so I understand? Asking questions like that help them feel safe to really explain what is happening. Make sure to actively listen and then repeat back what you understood so they know you hear them and you can clear up anything unclear before responding and moving forward.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Set Boundaries

It's essential to establish boundaries respectfully but firmly. Let the client know that while you're eager to work together and solve any issues, disrespectful behavior is not acceptable. Articulate your stance clearly without being confrontational. This approach not only asserts your self-respect but also communicates that you value a professional and respectful working relationship.

Add your perspective

Paula Fox

Sr. Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence, Strategic Leadership, and Business Transformation for Sustainable Growth
Report contribution
Once you understand where the attitude is coming from, you can acknowledge how they are feeling and let them know it matters to you. Then set boundaries about how you expect to be communicated with going forward to be more productive and respectful. This is when you both can discuss how each of you want communication to go going forward and then agree to stick to that agreement.

Like

Unhelpful

4 Seek Understanding

Engage the client by seeking to understand their perspective. Ask open-ended questions to get to the root of their discontent. Listening actively shows that you care about their concerns and are willing to work towards a solution. This can often turn a negative situation into an opportunity for improving the relationship and finding common ground.

Add your perspective

5 Offer Solutions

After understanding the client's perspective, shift the focus to problem-solving. Offer constructive solutions that address their concerns while maintaining your professional integrity. By being proactive and collaborative, you demonstrate your commitment to the relationship and the project's success, which can help rebuild respect and trust.

Add your perspective

Paula Fox

Sr. Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence, Strategic Leadership, and Business Transformation for Sustainable Growth
Report contribution
Once you agree on how you will better communicate going forward, you both can then work on solutions. Offer your ideas to improve the situation and ask them how they feel about them. Ask them for their suggestions as well and come to an understanding on the changes that will be made and then stick to that agreement.

Like

Unhelpful

6 Follow Up

Post-meeting, it's important to follow up with the client. Whether it's through a formal email or a brief call, reiterate the key points discussed, including how you both agreed to move forward. This not only ensures that there's no miscommunication but also shows that you are committed to maintaining a positive and professional relationship, despite the challenges faced.

Add your perspective

Paula Fox

Sr. Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence, Strategic Leadership, and Business Transformation for Sustainable Growth
Report contribution
Following up is so important. Check in and ask how things are now going and if that person feels better about the situation. Also provide your feedback and it's ok to say, I'm glad we worked this out and hopefully going forward we can continue this more respectful and productive communication for everyone involved. This helps set the expectation going forward that you expect the positivity to continue always and not just for this project.

Like

Unhelpful

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

You're facing disrespect from a client in a meeting. How do you effectively handle their behavior?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Assess Intent

3 Set Boundaries

4 Seek Understanding

5 Offer Solutions

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Relationship Building

More relevant reading

You're facing disrespect from a client in a meeting. How do you effectively handle their behavior?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Assess Intent

3 Set Boundaries

4 Seek Understanding

5 Offer Solutions

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills