In that case, for your sanity, you have to come up with a system of client care that will increase their trust level so that they will let you do your job.

1. Anticipate their concerns and address them before you are asked to do so. A case in point right now is to develop an Enterprise Risk Management program. Your clients can relax a bit knowing that you are on top of managing risk.
2. Be all over their complaints and criticisms. Don’t just “sort of” address the issues; excel at corrective action.
3. Keep them informed. They’re busy, so keep your correspondence easy to read and absorb. Charts and graphs of your accomplishments are good. If you have bad news, don’t wait to let them find out about it. Tell them.
4. Don’t expect compliments. A lack of criticism is a compliment. “Adequate” is good.
5. Go that extra mile. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what would “surprise and delight.” I know that might be going too far in this analogy, but imagine how much easier it makes their job if you have done the analytical work and present it to them.
6. Build trust. If they trust you, you’ll earn some latitude.

It’s a lot of effort to do exceptional client care, but it’s absolutely worth all the time and effort. And in the end, it’s a lot less costly than an enforcement action.