You're facing power dynamics in client relationships. How can you maintain mutual respect and understanding?
Encounter tricky power plays with clients? Chime in with your strategies for sustaining respect and harmony.
You're facing power dynamics in client relationships. How can you maintain mutual respect and understanding?
Encounter tricky power plays with clients? Chime in with your strategies for sustaining respect and harmony.
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Power dynamics are a fundamental aspect of human nature, don’t you agree??? Being honest and wise/ wisdomful —rather than biased or prejudiced—is key to handling any situation, as this becomes part of every engagement you participate in. Sometimes, you might feel that winning through other means is effective, but it will never be sustainable in the long run. Yes, your ego may receive some accolades, but that won't last.
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When you interact with human beings power dynamics will appear in the relationships. The best ways to address these I found is: - Understand client, clients goals and needs - Effective and frequent communication is the key - Set boundaries as clear and realistic as possible - Negotiate at times if needed - Self Reflect and adjust atmosphere/environment if needed - Being confident and educate yourself along the way - With these kind of clients ensure face to face meetings - Set milestones and bring some breather/freshness in the relationship.
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One thing I have found helpful is to treat every client as an individual seperate and different from another. Avoid a one-size- fits-all approach by researching and coming up with a specific and distinct client profile detailing their expectations and needs and then tailor make your processes and offerings to each. In cases where the clients are many employ account managers who will be tasked to to stay in touch,explain our processes, visit the clients , ask for feedback, seek and understand client needs etc. Keep improving and adjusting our processes based on client feedback to remain on the clock with any changes in client needs. Involve the client in all adjustments to the processes.Client engagement and effective communication is key!
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You can only build powerful relationships if you can be yourself at any time and if you feel treated equally in the business relationship. Open communication and being curious is vital to understand the why's of certain behaviour, statements or decisions. Act as an expert: share your knowledge and experience, inspire, influence, open up your network. Challenge the thoughts of your client - speak up if you look differently at things and enjoy to inspire! Walk the talk! If something turns out differently: use connecting communication, feel what needs to be done and act immediately! Expect the same from your client. Place the human interest above the business interest, at all times.
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Maintaining mutual respect and understanding requires open communication, active listening, empathy, and a willingness to see things from the other person's perspective. it's important to #Communicate openly and honestly: Express your thoughts and feelings clearly. #Practice active listening: Give your full attention to the other person, listen without judgment, and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding. #Show empathy: Put yourself in the other person's shoes and try to understand their emotions and experiences. #Be open-minded: Be willing to consider different viewpoints and be flexible #Respect boundaries: Honor the other person's boundaries #Resolve conflicts peacefully: Address disagreements calmly and constructively