A client once requested a marketing initiative that conflicted with our company’s sustainability policies. They wanted to launch a marketing initiative that would promote a product using a concept that, while appealing in the short term, could lead to "marketing myopia", a narrow focus on short-term sales without considering long-term customer relationships. To resolve this, I initiated a respectful dialogue to understand their goals and explained how our policies aligned with long-term success. Instead of rejecting their idea, I suggested alternative strategies that met their objectives while upholding our values. This collaborative approach resulted in a mutually beneficial solution.

When your client's values clash with your company's policies, handling it with tact and professionalism is essential. Here's how to approach the situation: Initiate Open Dialogue: Start a respectful conversation to understand the client’s concerns and perspective fully. Find Common Ground: Look for overlapping areas where both the client's values and your company's policies can align or be reconciled. Propose Alternatives: Offer solutions that respect both the client's values and company policies, ensuring a win-win outcome.

What if your client demands something your company can’t deliver? Imagine you're a banker, and your client insists on investing in high-risk ventures against your bank's cautious policy. Approach: 1. Open Dialogue: Explain why the bank avoids such investments and hear their reasoning. 2. Seek Common Ground: Highlight safer alternatives that align with their growth goals. 3. Offer Alternatives: Suggest creating a mix of high-risk and low-risk portfolios via a trusted partner. By balancing values with policy, you preserve trust and compliance.