Q: How can I deal with engineering clients going over my head?
Welcome to Episode #23 of Engineering Career TV. The topic for this episode is dealing with engineering clients going over your head.
I will spend most of the Engineering Career TV episodes answering questions that have been submitted from engineers around the world on how to rapidly advance their careers and live the lives they want to live.
You can submit questions for the show by clicking here.
Let’s jump into today’s topic: dealing with engineering clients going over your head, which is based on a question from Al, who asks the following:
Q: I’m an electrical engineer with 11 years experience. I’m an associate in our firm and have been for four years. I always try to follow the tips you provide. The clients I work with always come back because they like to work with us but they always contact my supervisor who is our VP instead of calling me directly.
Is there something I can do to let them know that they can come to me for project related items? I’m expected to bring in more work, and more contact time with them would help. I would appreciate your help on the matter on what I can do to get our clients to call me instead of my supervisor.
A: The full answer can be seen in the Engineering Career TV video above, but here are a few of the main points:
- You just have to build up a little more trust with these clients. Be open and honest with them, and your supervisor.
- Have a conversation with your supervisor and tell him about your situation, and get his okay on pushing them to contact you first.
- Go to your clients and explain to them that they can contact you directly based on conversations with your supervisor.
Resources mentioned in today’s Engineering Career TV:
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The Engineering Mastermind
I hope you found this episode of Engineering Career TV helpful.
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What questions do you have about dealing with engineering clients going over your head?
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
