- Guest Contributor
- April 5, 2021
Gig workers could face disagreements with anyone they work with. There could be an issue with a client or even with another gig worker working for the same client. In some cases, the disagreement is because of a misunderstanding. In other cases, the disagreement could be because of one party trying to take advantage of the other. Instead of walking away mad, take control of the disagreement, even if your client continues to be argumentative.
Identify the Root of the Argument
Make sure you understand what the argument is about. You can refer to your contract to verify whether you are correct. If you’re not correct, then apologize and continue your job, or decline doing the rest of the job. If the client is incorrect, provide the appropriate proof to back up your case.
It can be difficult to find a solution if both parties don’t agree on what the problem is. Getting to the root of the issue can take time, but it is time well spent. Once you agree on the problem, you can start discussing what both sides need to resolve the issue. To get negotiations that actually benefit both sides, you have to make sure your understanding matches theirs.
Discuss the Desired Outcome
Now that you’ve identified the cause of the disagreement, you can work toward what you want to walk away with. Start with what you want and what the other person wants. Then discuss why these outcomes may not be comfortable for the opposite party. The best way to do this is for both of you to make a list of the pros and cons of each “want” or to briefly list your reasoning. This keeps both sides transparent and adds clarity to everyone’s intentions.
Explore Possible Solutions
As you discuss your wants, consider the things you both agree on. This is compromise. Remember, neither of you should be walking away with everything you want. Both should make a separate list of deal breakers. A real solution is something both sides can agree with, even if they don’t love it.
Consider the other person’s deal breakers. If he or she gives up one thing on his list, what will you give up on your list? Add those two things to the “Agree” list.
If either of you finds something that you just cannot agree on, find something else to offset it. Maybe your client needs extra work that is worth less than the higher pay you want, for example. You might accept the extra work if the client increases the pay to what you want. Or maybe the client added responsibilities to your agreement. You could take them on for an extra fee, or another form of compensation for the additional services. Once you come to a complete agreement, re-work the contract to include the changes.
Being able to navigate disagreements is something that can help you keep a client and maintain a great reputation. While bumps in the road aren’t ideal, you need to keep a clear mind and handle issues as they arise. Identifying the root of the argument, considering
About the Author: Cheryl Bowman has been writing on various topics since 2007. While she writes on many topics, including pets and food, her specialties are legal and automotive as she worked in both industries. Cheryl’s legal specialties are bankruptcy and family law, but she writes about criminal law and civil cases such as personal injury and real estate. You can find Cheryl on Writer Access.
