How are you keeping a client with a bad temper in check and being respectful?

I have a woman client who I have been photographing her boys for 6 years and during the last couple years she has become more and more difficult to deal with.  I don't know if she has something on with work, but she is often rude and have come close to being disrespectful.  How do you put these sort of people in check without ticking them off and triggering something unpleasent? 

Barbara Fite wrote: I have a woman client who I have been photographing her boys for 6 years and during the last couple years she has become more and more difficult to deal with. I don't know if she has something on with work, but she is often rude and have come close to being disrespectful. How do you put these sort of people in check without ticking them off and triggering something unpleasent? 

Sounds like a question for a psychologist. And as usual, we only know one side of the story - there very well may be a reason for the lady's behaviour.

The best tip that was given to me, is to lovingly put your had on their shoulder, arm or take their hand in both your hands and ask: “Is everything okay?” When they want to brush it off, you can reply by: “You are projecting a lot of stress onto me. Are you sure?"

All people do not want to be asses, but their lack of skills dealing with stress, hate, trauma makes them take it out onto others. We do not have to make it ours, but we are sometimes scared to stand our ground. Make them feel they deal with a loving understanding person and be ready to someone that might open up or hopefully she just apologises and you can continue work.  

"The best tip that was given to me, is to lovingly put your had on their shoulder, arm or take their hand in both your hands and ask: “Is everything okay?” When they want to brush it off, you can reply by: “You are projecting a lot of stress onto me. Are you sure?

All people do not want to be asses, but their lack of skills dealing with stress, hate, trauma makes them take it out onto others. We do not have to make it ours, but we are sometimes scared to stand our ground. Make them feel they deal with a loving understanding person and be ready to someone that might open up or hopefully she just apologises and you can continue work."

I like this tip from Hassner. It, or something close, in your own words should go a long way to de-fuse the hostility, yet maintain friendship of your customer.

Charley

  

OP, CharleyL and Hassner gave the best advice/answer for you here.  I have nothing further I would add.  Good input there.   

I filter them out in the first interview.  I don't put myself in any position I don't want.  

Razky wrote: Sounds like a question for a psychologist. And as usual, we only know one side of the story - there very well may be a reason for the lady's behaviour.

What kind of answer is that?

Who cares what the client's issues are or how many sides of the story there are? The OP doesn't like how she is being treated and is asking for advice on how to handle the client. The OP isn't responsible for the clients personal problems.

@barbara Fite:
When dealing with clients, suppliers, my bosses and those under me I keep it professional. When someone steps out of line I tell them, just like they tell me (we all have 'those days') when I cross the line. Most people are mature enough to handle it, those that can't can stay gone, it's better for everyone else.

Esseff wrote:

Razky wrote: Sounds like a question for a psychologist. And as usual, we only know one side of the story - there very well may be a reason for the lady's behaviour.

What kind of answer is that?
Who cares what the client's issues are or how many sides of the story there are?

Anyone who wishes to make an intelligent assessment of the issue.

Esseff wrote:

Razky wrote: Sounds like a question for a psychologist. And as usual, we only know one side of the story - there very well may be a reason for the lady's behaviour.

What kind of answer is that?

Who cares what the client's issues are or how many sides of the story there are? The OP doesn't like how she is being treated and is asking for advice on how to handle the client. The OP isn't responsible for the clients personal problems.

@barbara Fite:
When dealing with clients, suppliers, my bosses and those under me I keep it professional. When someone steps out of line I tell them, just like they tell me (we all have 'those days') when I cross the line. Most people are mature enough to handle it, those that can't can stay gone, it's better for everyone else.

   Great post