LinkedIn respects your privacy

LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.

Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. You can update your choices at any time in your settings.

Agree & Join LinkedIn

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Skip to main content
LinkedIn
  • Top Content
  • People
  • Learning
  • Jobs
  • Games
Join now Sign in
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Emotional Intelligence

Your client is upset about your proposal. How can you effectively handle their emotional feedback?

When a client expresses upset over your proposal, it's crucial to manage the situation with empathy and professionalism. To turn the tide:

- Acknowledge their feelings without becoming defensive. This shows you're listening and value their perspective.

- Clarify any misunderstandings by discussing specific concerns, which can often alleviate frustration.

- Offer solutions or alternatives that address their feedback, demonstrating your commitment to their satisfaction.

How do you approach emotional feedback from clients to maintain a positive partnership?

Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence

+ Follow
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Emotional Intelligence

Your client is upset about your proposal. How can you effectively handle their emotional feedback?

When a client expresses upset over your proposal, it's crucial to manage the situation with empathy and professionalism. To turn the tide:

- Acknowledge their feelings without becoming defensive. This shows you're listening and value their perspective.

- Clarify any misunderstandings by discussing specific concerns, which can often alleviate frustration.

- Offer solutions or alternatives that address their feedback, demonstrating your commitment to their satisfaction.

How do you approach emotional feedback from clients to maintain a positive partnership?

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
131 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Robert Lienhard

    Global SAP Talent Matchmaker🎯AI Humanizer🌱Prompt Engineer📝Servant Leadership & EI Advocate🤝Industry 5.0/6.0 Enthusiast🌐Trusted Mentor🌿Humanistic-libertarian-philosophical Thinker⚖️ Empathy & Kindness matter🙏

    • Report contribution

    ACKNOWLEDGING CLIENT CONCERNS AND EXPLAINING SOLUTIONS To effectively handle emotional feedback from an upset client, I would first listen actively and acknowledge their feelings. It’s important to let them express their concerns fully before responding. I would then calmly explain the rationale behind the proposal and explore potential solutions or adjustments that could address their concerns. By maintaining a calm and empathetic tone, you show respect for their viewpoint. Collaborating on a resolution not only helps calm the situation but also strengthens the relationship by showing you’re committed to meeting their needs.

    Like
    17
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Irina BOLOCAN

    Enseignement supérieur / / Management et IA // Accompagnement transitions professionnelles // Fondatrice Odassib

    • Report contribution

    Pour traiter les plaintes d'un client contrarié, pensez à la méthode ERIC : - Écouter : Faîtes preuve d'écoute active et ne parlez pas plus de 20% de la durée totale de la conversation. Posez des questions ouvertes pour mieux comprendre le problème. - Réformuler : reformulez la demande du client pour vous assurer que vous avez bien compris son problème. - Identifier : trouver les solutions possibles et les actions à entreprendre pour trouver un terrain d'entente. - Confirmer- conclure : synthétisez la conversation et validez la solution à mettre en œuvre en vous assurant que toutes les parties prenantes sont satisfaites.

    Translated
    Like
    9
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Anna Rooney

    Decide. Commit. Succeed.

    • Report contribution

    Before jumping to solutions, we need to understand the context - what kind of proposal is this, and what’s really behind the client’s frustration? Often, their reaction isn’t just about the details on paper. It’s about expectations, unmet needs, or feeling like they weren’t fully heard. The key isn’t to fix their emotions - it’s to acknowledge them without defensiveness. Instead of rushing to explain, ask, What’s the core concern here? Frustration tends to ease when people feel understood. Then collaboration, not conflict, leads the way forward.

    Like
    5
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Ritika Gupta

    Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Writing | Blogger | Content Creator | Helping brands & individuals build authentic visibility through words

    • Report contribution

    I understand your concerns and truly appreciate your honest feedback. My goal is always to provide the best possible solution for your needs, and I’d love to understand more about what didn’t align with your expectations. Let’s discuss how we can adjust the proposal to better suit your vision. Your satisfaction is my priority, and I’m here to collaborate and find the best way forward.

    Like
    5
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Niko V. Manoukian

    Helping teams navigate the messy middle between idea and execution with scalable systems that last, cut waste, and deliver

    • Report contribution

    Stay calm and listen actively to understand their concerns. Acknowledge their feelings and show empathy. Clarify misunderstandings and offer solutions that address their needs. Keep the conversation focused on finding a positive outcome.

    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Rahul Desai

    TPC @Homefnb (Skyway Group) • Mentor @Startupbootcamp • Product Design • Research Development • Tech & OPs Management • Ex @Norric & UXRescue

    • Report contribution

    Client upset requires a calm, empathetic approach. I start by actively listening and acknowledging their feelings without defensiveness. Then, I seek to understand the specific reasons for their dissatisfaction. Often, it's a misunderstanding that can be clarified. Finally, I focus on solutions, exploring alternatives and demonstrating my commitment to meeting their needs. It's about turning a negative into an opportunity to strengthen the client relationship.

    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Bruno Câmara

    CCO / C-Level / Diretor Executivo / Diretor Comercial / Shopping Center / Expansão / Varejo

    • Report contribution

    Dealing with emotional customer feedback requires tact and strategy to turn a potentially negative situation into an opportunity to strengthen the relationship. Below are the 03 points that I think are most important: 1. Active listening and validation – Before responding, I let the customer fully express their concerns. I demonstrate understanding by repeating key points and acknowledging their feelings without minimizing their frustration. 2. Questions for clarification – Rather than assuming the problem, I ask open-ended questions to better understand the root cause of their dissatisfaction. This also helps the customer feel heard. 3. Collaborative tone – I avoid defensive responses and focus on a solution-oriented approach. Good luck !

    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Lucas de Sousa Ribeiro

    Advogado | Previdenciário| Trabalhista | Cível

    • Report contribution

    Lidar com um feedback negativo de um cliente exige empatia, escuta ativa, postura profissional, busca por uma solução e o fortalecimento da relação. 1. Empatia Evite ao máximo minimizar ou defender sua posição imediatamente. Primeiro, valide as preocupações do seu cliente. 2. Escuta ativa Pergunte e realmente se interesse pela crítica apresentada pelo seu cliente. 3. Postura profissional Não leve nenhuma crítica para o lado pessoal, foque em buscar uma solução para o problema. 4. Busque uma solução Apresente modificações realistas para o caso apresentado pelo cliente, adequando sua proposta as suas necessidades. 5. Fortaleça a relação Agradeça pelo feedback do cliente sobre o seu serviço e esteja disponível para melhorar seus serviços.

    Translated
    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Vishnu Satishkumar Nair

    MS in Systems Engineering & Project Management | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Product Management Certified

    • Report contribution

    First step would be to acknowledge the customer feeling and try to listen to their concerns and feedback’s. Later providing alternative solutions, plans and just being proactive to work with them closely to find a way forward will be good approach for achieving a win-win for both parties !

    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Dr Kalyani Kamble

    Firewalk Facilitator | Leadership Coach | Master NLP Practitioner | Breakthrough Trainer | Author | Image Consultant President at All Ladies League Women Enterpreneurs- Mumbai Chapter

    • Report contribution

    Handling emotional feedback requires calmness and empathy. Start by validating their feelings: "I hear your concerns, and I appreciate your honesty." Stay open, not defensive—invite clarity: "Can you share what specifically isn’t working for you?" Listen actively and acknowledge their perspective. Offer a solution-oriented approach: "Let’s refine this together to better align with your needs." Keep your tone reassuring, reinforcing partnership over conflict. Turning frustration into collaboration not only resolves the issue but also strengthens trust, ensuring a positive outcome for both sides.

    Like
    3
View more answers
Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?
It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Emotional Intelligence

No more previous content
  • How would you address a conflict between two team members who have differing communication styles?

    44 contributions

  • You're juggling tight deadlines and emotional well-being. How do you strike the right balance?

    32 contributions

  • Your team is divided on opinions. How do you navigate conflicting viewpoints without stirring up emotions?

    24 contributions

  • You're negotiating contract terms with a client. How do you balance empathy with assertiveness?

    31 contributions

  • You want to better tailor your services to individual client preferences. How can you develop empathy?

    26 contributions

  • Juggling multiple project priorities is overwhelming. How do you keep your focus sharp and stress levels low?

    73 contributions

  • You're facing complex power dynamics in your team. How can you ensure equitable participation?

    17 contributions

  • You're negotiating with tight deadlines looming. How can you manage stress effectively?

    17 contributions

  • Your coworker is frustrated with a project deadline. How can you better understand their perspective?

    21 contributions

  • Your team seems disconnected and unmotivated. How can emotional intelligence rebuild trust?

    27 contributions

  • A team member keeps missing deadlines under pressure. How do you manage this with emotional intelligence?

    32 contributions

  • You're struggling to connect with your team during meetings. How can you boost your active listening skills?

    39 contributions

  • You’re dealing with passive-aggressive colleagues at work. How can you effectively manage this behavior?

    28 contributions

  • Dealing with constant negative feedback from your boss. How can you maintain your emotional intelligence?

    41 contributions

No more next content
See all

More relevant reading

  • Staff Development
    What are effective ways to have difficult conversations with direct reports?
  • Workforce Management
    How can you navigate a difficult conversation with your manager?
  • Business Development
    How do you know when to follow up on a proposal?
  • Business Communications
    What do you do if your boss seems unapproachable and distant?

Explore Other Skills

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Personal Branding
  • Leadership Development
  • Problem Solving
  • Thought Leadership
  • Leadership
  • Research Skills
  • Executive Coaching

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

  • LinkedIn © 2025
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Brand Policy
  • Guest Controls
  • Community Guidelines
Like
21
131 Contributions