What is the most appropriate response if your colleague behaves disruptively while you are with a client?

The most appropriate response is to ask another employee to assist while you address the issue. This approach ensures that the client receives the necessary support without being disrupted further by the colleague's behavior. By delegating the task of helping the client to another employee, you prioritize the client's needs and maintain a professional environment.

This option allows you to address the disruptive behavior directly without jeopardizing the quality of service provided to the client. It demonstrates a commitment to maintaining professionalism and ultimately protects the client’s experience during an interaction that could otherwise be negatively impacted by the colleague's actions. Engaging another employee also fosters teamwork and collaboration, reinforcing a supportive work atmosphere.

Ignoring the interruption may lead to further disruption and a lack of attention to the client, while calling for help from a department administrator could escalate the situation unnecessarily. Calmly requesting the colleague to wait is a reasonable approach but does not provide immediate assistance to the client, potentially leading to further complications. Hence, seeking assistance from another employee while handling the disruption directly balances the needs of both the client and your colleague.