Before I go any further, I just want to check something
OK, now we’ve got that sorted, it’s like this… My day is filled with lots of projects. Some projects are quick and easy and go exactly according to plan. Others are more complex. Each project, however, begins with a client call in which I say this a lot:
Because the client is always right.
Despite knowing that the client is always right, it’s not uncommon to put the phone down, turn to a colleague, tell them the requirements, and have them go:
A quick review of the project brief shows that no, the client is not kidding, so I have my drink (of tea) and knuckle down to the task ahead of me. This involves interacting with lots and lots of lovely people from all over the world and from many differing backgrounds. Most of the time this is just dandy. But it can also (often) lead to moments of sheer disbelief at ones fellow humans:
It’s usually about now in the project that the client gets in touch and says something that is completely opposed to everything they’ve said up till this point. All you can do is sit there and take it.
Whilst trying not to verbalise your real thoughts.
But I shake it off, and do my job, because I am like a ninja at this shit.
And I do. I pull that damn rabbit out the proverbial on a regular basis (see previous ninja reference), and the project merrily pootles along and all the client feedback is positive. Everything is sweetness and light and you’d be forgiven for thinking the project was pretty much done. Good job.
Oh, my young padawan *shakes head*
No. This is when the phone rings again and it’s… Not quite the news you have been lead to expect. Naturally, a reaction similar to this is excusable:
Sadly, the client isn’t kidding. All that work? Poof.
I’m tempted to do something like this on a fairly regular basis:
But I work in a paperless office, and I’m not sure the digital equivalent is quite as acceptable to the boss.
And really, no matter how tempting, guns are never the answer.
Instead, you grin and bear it. Because the client is always right. Always. Right. And they say “But good news, there’s something else you can help us with…”
And the whole thing begins again.
:/ I send internet tea, and Kalashnikovs for the penguins.
Thank you! Cxxx