Dealing with pompous idiots in business

[why]

For anyone involved in business, how do you deal with pompous idiots? There's some people that don't have a clue what they're doing but act like they're the second coming of Christ. You explain to them what needs to be done and how to do it, and they think the hardass attitude of 'Do it the way I said!' actually has meaning beyond its vitriol.

It's as if the power they want and the knowledge they have are so far apart that it's impossible to deal with them. They're idiots of the umpteenth degree but think they can move buildings with their power.

I don't want to get into details, but basically a guy with no money and has no control over the situation is trying to assume power and control for a project and he has no idea where the project began, where it is, and where it's going.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by why

For anyone involved in business, how do you deal with pompous idiots? There's some people that don't have a clue what they're doing but act like they're the second coming of Christ. You explain to them what needs to be done and how to do it, and they think the hardass attitude of 'Do it the way I said!' actually has meaning beyond its vitriol.

It's as if the power they want and the knowledge they have are so far apart that it's impossible to deal with them. They're idiots of the umpteenth degree but think they can move buildings with their power.

I don't want to get into details, but basically a guy with no money and has no control over the situation is trying to assume power and control for a project and he has no idea where the project began, where it is, and where it's going.

I have simply become the pompous idiot. it was pretty easy for me, because being a pompous idiot had always been a hobby, so becoming a pro wasn't all the difficult.

 

[Orsini]

You could quit your job.

 

[why]

Originally Posted by Orsini

You could sell your business.

No, I won't.

 

[Thomas]

The consultant's creed:

The customer is always right.
So, give the customer what they ask for.
Get this in writing.

If what they really wanted wasn't what they asked for,
Give them what they really wanted.
And bill them for all the time you wasted because they didn't know what they wanted in the first place.

 

[Fuuma]

Actually your "pompous idiot" was just asking me the same question about how to deal with you...

 

[Orsini]

Originally Posted by why

Yes, I will.
Fixed.

 

[thekunk07]

for better or worse, pretty much. we are always willing to tell a client when we disagree, sometimes at the behest of new biz.

Originally Posted by Thomas

The consultant's creed:

The customer is always right.
So, give the customer what they ask for.
Get this in writing.

If what they really wanted wasn't what they asked for,
Give them what they really wanted.
And bill them for all the time you wasted because they didn't know what they wanted in the first place.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Originally Posted by Thomas

The consultant's creed:

The customer is always right.
So, give the customer what they ask for.
Get this in writing.

If what they really wanted wasn't what they asked for,
Give them what they really wanted.
And bill them for all the time you wasted because they didn't know what they wanted in the first place.

QFT

 

[why]

Originally Posted by Fuuma

Actually your "pompous idiot" was just asking me the same question about how to deal with you...

Cool. What did he say?

 

[turboman808]

Originally Posted by Thomas

If what they really wanted wasn't what they asked for,
Give them what they really wanted.
And bill them for all the time you wasted because they didn't know what they wanted in the first place.

I have one client that I have treat like that.

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by turboman808

I have one client that I have treat like that.

I had customers who are like this. I would listen, take notes, ask questions, challenge a few points, then deliver what they asked for - how they wanted it. I arrive with a finished deliverable, and am greeted with "what I REALLY want is..."

Inside I'm seething. Inside I'm thinking any of the following scripts:"
"What - you think this is ******* Burger King? Have it your way? **** off!"
"Just like a woman. Don't know what you ******* want when you get what you ask for"
"Well, I REALLY wanted a *******, but I don't see you getting on your knees"

Outwardly I smiled, documented it all, and counted the added billable hours.

Then I moved to an step-driven process - check out the structure of the house before applying the siding, you know. Saves me some serious hassle, except for the people who just want to see finished results. For that privilege, they pay. Sometimes dearly.

 

[Tardek]

My problem isn't pleasing my clients - it's pleasing clients and also dealing with my colleagues and superiors, many of whose sole qualification is that they, through accident of birth, were born before me and thus managed to graduate before me.

 

[why]

Originally Posted by Tardek

My problem isn't pleasing my clients - it's pleasing clients and also dealing with my colleagues and superiors, many of whose sole qualification is that they, through accident of birth, were born before me and thus managed to graduate before me.

Join the club.

I don't have an issue with clients. This is a business-business issue with a hardhead.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by why

Cool. What did he say?

"For anyone involved in business, how do you deal with pompous idiots? There's some people that don't have a clue what they're doing but act like they're the second coming of Christ. You explain to them what needs to be done and how to do it, and they think the hardass attitude of 'Do it the way I said!' actually has meaning beyond its vitriol.

It's as if the power they want and the knowledge they have are so far apart that it's impossible to deal with them. They're idiots of the umpteenth degree but think they can move buildings with their power.

I don't want to get into details, but basically a guy with no money and has no control over the situation is trying to assume power and control for a project and he has no idea where the project began, where it is, and where it's going."