A client keeps contacting you outside of agreed-upon hours. How should you handle it?
When a client keeps reaching out outside of agreed-upon hours, it's essential to address the situation tactfully to maintain professionalism and personal time. Here's how to set firm yet courteous boundaries:
How do you handle client boundaries? Share your strategies.
A client keeps contacting you outside of agreed-upon hours. How should you handle it?
When a client keeps reaching out outside of agreed-upon hours, it's essential to address the situation tactfully to maintain professionalism and personal time. Here's how to set firm yet courteous boundaries:
How do you handle client boundaries? Share your strategies.
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When a client frequently contacts me outside of agreed-upon hours, I address it by reiterating my availability and the boundaries outlined in our initial agreement and contracts. I remind them of my designated working hours as well as what their package and programs include and how adhering to these ensures I can deliver my best during our sessions. To provide additional support, I introduce them to members of my team, explaining their roles and how they can assist with specific needs or urgent matters when I’m unavailable. This not only reinforces professional boundaries but also ensures the client feels supported and has access to resources without disrupting established agreements.
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Address it professionally by setting clear boundaries. Politely remind the client of agreed-upon hours and the importance of respecting them for productive sessions. Offer alternative options, like scheduling additional time if needed. Boundaries maintain mutual respect and ensure balanced, effective coaching. Communicate kindly but firmly.
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• Establish clear expectations early on • Use an automated response • Respond politely but firmly • Address the issue directly • Offer alternative solutions • Consider escalation • Be respectful and professional • Be consistent • Document interactions
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Politely remind the client of the agreed-upon hours and your commitment to providing quality service during those times. Clearly define response times and preferred communication channels in your agreement During a session, explore why the client feels the need to contact you outside hours. This may reveal unmet expectations or issues that can be managed proactively. Demonstrate how maintaining boundaries benefits the coaching relationship by ensuring focused, high-quality interactions during scheduled sessions. Acknowledge their concerns and reinforce your support within the agreed framework, fostering trust while maintaining professionalism.
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Don't answer the phone! Hey, let's get clear on our boundaries. You’ve invested in my professional guidance, not round-the-clock access. It’s important we both honor the working hours we agreed upon. If we can focus on making real progress during our scheduled sessions—and not treat this like a 24/7 arrangement—we’ll have a much more productive partnership. If these limits aren’t manageable for you, then it may be a sign that coaching isn’t the right fit at this time. Let’s respect each other’s time, stick to our plan, and make the most of our work together.
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