Should I tell my client that her employee is a sleaze?

Dear Aunty B,

I have a good relationship with a client whom I have been working with for 18 months. I also know her on a professional level as I am on a board with her and speak with her at industry functions.

My problem is with one of her employees who is rude, boorish and actually smells. He is an older male who has been put on our account and tries in all the wrong ways to schmooze us. He calls our receptionist Tootsie, he is always commenting on how the women are looking, verging on sleazy and he interrupts the entire office when he visits, insisting that everyone eat those awful donuts you buy at the airport.

I know he is trying hard to keep our business but how do I ask her to send someone else without being rude?

CG,
Australia’s best city

Dear CG,

Who cares about being rude? You staff shouldn’t be subjected to a smelly, sleazy, junk food bearing throwback from another century. I would explore the issue with her, drawing her out on the subject of difficult people and then bring him up as an example.

Maybe you can tell her that you would like to say something to her employee about how he addresses your staff and then see what she says.

I am quite sure you will only need to raise this issue with her and she will take action. I think all entrepreneurs would be glad to have such feedback on their staff.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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