6 bad behaviors brokers, employers engage in and how to fix them

August 19, 2015 9:17 AM

1. Over promising, under delivering

Scenario: In final phase of platform selection, the client requests a specific feature. The service provider says no problem. Months into implementation, the provider determines they cant do it without adding substantial cost. The client wont pay and provider wont incur the cost.
[Image: Fotolia]

Solution

Over-promising and under-delivering are equally egregious sins. Worst is promising something to get the job, believing the capability can be developed or the client need can be altered. The result is typically a broken relationship. Service providers should focus on their core competencies. Look at third-party integration options and let clients know providing services outside areas of expertise can detract from performance of the primary service. Better to lose a client than your reputation; its a small world.
[Image: Fotolia]

2. Stopping the conversation

Scenario: Client with a problem cant reach their account rep and escalates matter to senior management. Management promises action, but nothing happens and soon stops returning calls. Work proceeds but the problem continues. The client is unhappy but theres no resolution because no ones talking to each other.
[Image: Fotolia]

Solution

Small problems get out of control when people stop talking and medium-size problems can become nightmares. A broker/consultant can help by facilitating a conversation about expectations at the onset of the relationship. Is there a hierarchy to follow? Whats a reasonable time to expect a return call or follow-up? Do you want weekly meetings during implementation to cover issues? Whats the criteria for flagging a matter as serious?
[Image: Fotolia]

3. Lack of solid groundwork

Scenario: Client provides requirements which service provider meets. But client fails to identify all needs up front and now wants additions at no cost. Broker pressures provider to accommodate client and the relationship sours.
[Image: Fotolia]

Solution

Nothing hurts team spirit like changing the rules into the game. Its unfair to expect the provider to handle new requests at no cost. Needs will arise and most providers do their best to accommodate. Broker/consultants can avoid this situation by facilitating a detailed review of the requirements prior to service provider selection.
[Image: Fotolia]

4. The forest vs. the trees

Scenario: Client is overly concerned about minutia. The service provider spends so much time tweaking system cosmetics (fonts, colors) that a major process flaw goes unnoticeduntil open enrollment. Employee is suing.
[Image: Fotolia]

Solution

HR systems are complex so its easy for employers to focus on what they understand often minor details. Keep a list of small requests. Tell the provider youll want changes but let them prioritize and focus on the big picture.
[Image: Fotolia]

5. The disappearing and reappearing broker

Scenario: Broker is heavily engaged at project onset but steps back once service provider is selected until theres a problem. The broker re-engages, takes action and steps back again. Problem escalates and broker re-engages but lacks understanding of the situation.
[Image: Fotolia]

Solution

Problem or not, broker/consultants who step in and out (and in and out) of a relationship potentially do more harm than good. Regular conversations with all parties will keep projects on track and eliminate problems stemming from poor communication or mismatched expectations.
[Image: Fotolia]

6. Beating up those trying to help

Scenario: During open enrollment, minor things go awry and the client beats up on broker to get this fixed. The broker beats up the account manager and the account manager beats up the support team. This scenario is repeated until the support team stops trying, the account manager resigns, and the relationship with the provider turns toxic.
[Image: Fotolia]

Solution

Everyone was trying to help the client but, ironically, the client suffers most. Next time theres a problem no one is squarely in the clients court. While the client initiated the bad behavior, the broker should have managed client expectations and reactions in proportion to the severity of the problem. Is a little beating up ever called for? Maybe; but if thats the norm, whats your option in a real crisis?
[Image: Fotolia]