What should designers do when faced with such clients?
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I work at a design firm, and recently on a project I encountered a client like this: First of all, this client is very nice; although they are a high-ranking official from a large company, they are very humble and not arrogant at all； However, since this leader was in charge of different areas within the client organization, he had little understanding of engineering design and dismissed it greatly, always saying, “This is extremely easy!” Then, the requests he made are really annoying as soon as you hear them~~ Although the original poster is a tech-savvy girl, she also realizes that communication is needed in many aspects of work – lots of communication. But faced with a situation like this, I really don’t know how to communicate I read a book on sales that had the idea that you shouldn’t argue with your customers (because no one wants to be the one in the wrong). But if I don’t reason with him, how can I get him to accept my ideas on his own? I would also appreciate some guidance from everyone at Haichuan. (Special welcome to professionals such as salespeople or managers to answer questions.) Thank you all! It’s definitely a **plus.
Sign and seal it – he insisted on that, to have it recorded in writing, and he required his own signature. It’s important to have an official stamp; everyone is responsible for their own actions. There’s no other way – having something in writing is necessary in order to discuss matters with one’s supervisor. Otherwise, one will end up caught in between, with no place to belong.
Yes, that’s the method. Write it down in black and white, item by item; the more detailed, the better. This is actually a form of protection for both parties, to avoid disputes in the future.
From your description, it seems that this leader holds considerable authority within the client’s organization; they have significant influence and are often in a position to make decisive decisions. As a result, they tend to be decisive in their approach, unwilling to accept opposing opinions once a decision has been made. Yet, in their daily interactions, they are very humble and unpretentious. This description seems contradictory – it is indeed difficult to deal with a person who exhibits both such opposite personality traits as decisiveness and humility. Well, we might as well start from two aspects. One is to follow what the senior on the 2nd floor suggested: every detail, all of their requirements, should be clearly stated and signed off on, so as to avoid disputes. Secondly, given the personality of this leader you mentioned, he wouldn’t make things difficult for you over such matters. Another aspect is to have more interactions in daily communication, creating an environment of relative equality that allows for normal, friendly dialogue. Gradually, you can invite him to observe your actual work, helping him to understand your work processes and the challenges involved. The difficulty in communication between people lies in a lack of understanding and various misunderstandings that arise from speculation; if he comes to know you better and understands the issues in your work, communication will become much easier.
Communication is definitely of primary importance. Should we force leaders to admit their mistakes by signing documents? I think it’s a poor choice. Find someone in the other party’s organization who can persuade their supervisors, and make full use of women’s strengths by employing more gentle approaches – this is necessary in life.
Leaders, especially those who are not experts in the field, should merely make the final decisions; they shouldn’t get involved in discussing the details. Before making a decision, do the necessary preparations so that the leader only has to make choices. Regarding specific issues, it is recommended to communicate directly with the engineers below; otherwise, it can be quite frustrating
A practical approach. This person isn’t exactly reluctant to argue with us, but he always assumes things without understanding them ； I should practice my speaking skills more. Thank you!
I don’t quite agree with your view. Signing and stamping is to prevent people from shirking their responsibilities in the future, not to force them to admit their mistakes. Go to the other party’s company to find someone who can persuade that manager? This is a bit like filing a complaint at the wrong level. However, thank you very much for your help!
I want to do the same, but in reality you often have to communicate with laypeople. I just can’t stand self-righteous owners with a sense of superiority, even though they are the clients.