How to Handle Sensitive News About Client
I've already reviewed my contract and there's nothing regarding this... so I'm not sure how to approach it. I work at a small agency and this is regarding a client we have a long-term, great relationship with. While working on a client's account, I'm given full access to manage their professional social media channels. This includes their messaging since it's part of my job to notify them when people message them about potential meetings, requests, etc. However, I think they often forget this as they go about their day. Upon reviewing their messages, I found two that directly mention that my client is retiring on a certain date and they're throwing a send off for him, but that no one else knows (about the retirement) as they have not told others. We had a meeting a month after I saw this and he did not mention anything. I know for sure that this will affect our small agency because they are our largest and most important client. I'm sure the client has a plan, but I feel obligated to: 1) Say nothing and respect their privacy until they announce it to us. Also, this puts me in a safe spot in case there is a hidden clause in the contract that I'm unaware of. 2) Ask our CEO a if I should notify him of certain news based on my contract, and if so, proceed to inform him.(Again we are very small and we work directly together on this account). What would you do?
> ... in case there is a hidden clause in my contract There is no such thing as a "hidden clause". Read your contract. > What would you do? I would read your contract.
Stick to the contract, and if your company is in trouble with losing one customer then you need to find a better company.
Wait it out. This way you keep your trust with the client who will be happy with your service and at the very least send more people your way. Plus what your management chain doesnt know cant hurt you later on. Do you hope to change your client's mind about retiring by letting your boss and him know that you know? If not, what is the point of releasing news that isnt yours to release?
The benefit of is that we can prepare for the financial and workflow blow. Also, a new manager is taking over this account soon. This seems unrelated, but it affects this too.