How should I deal with a control freak?

Dear Aunty B,

I often deal directly with the client of a client, but this is becoming increasingly difficult, as the client’s client is a control freak. It started when he told me I needed to change the way my receptionist answers the phone. The last straw came last week when he wanted to know what my weekly hours have been since the beginning of the project. I refused to give them as this is between my client and I.

It’s now gotten to the point where my client has to act as a buffer and I just feel this is badly affecting my relationship with my client because the situation is so tense. Normally I can charm and engage with most people, but not this one.

I used to enjoy the work and really like my client but I’m thinking of terminating my contract so I can have some sanity back.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Going Crazy,
Sydney

Dear Going Crazy,

Thank goodness you have a buffer and that control freak is not a direct client. A few years ago we had a similar situation. And what we did was create a team to deal with him. So instead of just one person being in charge of that account, there were a few key staff who shared it. Whenever anyone had enough of him and wanted to pull their hair out – or his, we would introduce the client to someone else and tell him the staff member was on holiday.

We shared him around with love, as we used to say. But this helped the staff, as no single individual got stuck with him, everyone understood him and rather than object to a new face, he perversely enjoyed having a new person to intimidate and a group to boss around.

If you only have a very small team and you don’t have employees to share the load, and the time you are spending on control freak is taking you away from other opportunities and you have other clients in the wings, then absolutely move on.

But before you do, sit down with the client and have a professional conversation. Explain that you value the relationship with the client very much and that you are concerned that the “control freak” is not as happy with your work as you would wish. Ask if there is anymore you can do. You might be surprised at what your client has to say.

Good luck,
Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!