3 Surefire Ways to Deal with Narcissistic Clients

 

“This is what I’m paying you for!’

“Why can’t you do it for free?”

“I’M the target market and I don’t like it!”

How many times have you heard these things from a client that has become the bane of your existence? Nobody in your team is willing to work with them because frankly speaking, you need an hour long prep-talk to deal with them. 

No matter how many times you think you’re mentally prepared, they surprise you with something new.

But rest assured, we know exactly how to deal with a finicky, narcissistic client. 

Here’s what you should do:

Set Boundaries from the Start

First things first, add a list of policies and disclaimers in the contract before you ask them to sign it. This will help you legally in case the client decides to break the terms and conditions you have set.

For example, the client should not call or text anyone from your team after work hours. They should not attempt to reach out to them on the weekends. Everything will be taken care of during work hours.

Change Your Approach

Try a different approach if your initial plan to communicate doesn’t work. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, we can’t get through to a person and get them to stop their behavior.

That’s why it’s important to bring in someone else who will be able to handle your client and deal with their temperament. Assign the client to a team lead or employee who has a better understanding of what the client needs.

A fresh perspective and approach will be beneficial for both parties.

End the Relationship

This should be the last resort. If a client is unnecessarily causing problems and is not responding to all the solutions you have provided, it’s best to part ways.

Remind your team that it’s not their fault if the client does not like their work. Sometimes things don’t go the way we plan. That doesn’t mean we’re not capable of achieving greatness or that our work isn’t up to mark.

It just means that we need to find clients that share the same vision and are on the same page as us.

These are a few ways to deal with finicky and narcissistic clients. Do you have a tip of your own that you’d like to share? Drop us a comment below!

L.H. Prairie’s book, “The 5 Mandates of Management” focuses on helping businesses design exceptional management development programs. If you’re looking for ways to boost productivity and improve your company’s culture, the book is a resourceful guide for managers.

It also focuses training employees, honing their skills, and providing them with better opportunities that can help them climb the ladder of success.

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