Over the last few years, I’ve asked sales reps in my sales playbook communities as well as participants in my onsite training programs how they want to be led as sales professionals.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the responses . . .
“Be there to support me and to help me remove internal/external speed bumps”
“I think there is a difference between a LEADER and a person that has been put in a leadership position. A LEADER earns it. The other…well…people just have to put up with them!”
“By example”
“By someone who has actually sold something”
“By someone who demonstrates that they care about their team and would kill for them”
“By someone who has the guts to go to bat for us when we need them to”
“Leaders have to care, care about their people, care about getting things done for the organization, and care about identifying and solving problems that stand in the way of making things happen.”
“By someone who understands when to kick my ass vs give me a hug”
“By someone who actually listens to me and is willing to stop looking at their phone when I’m talking with them”
“Trust is huge. Someone who’ll go to the mat for me and not throw me under the bus”
“Someone who helps me learn and grow”
“I want to be led by a field commander and not a desk jockey”
“It’s important for me to follow someone who’s been in my shoes and understands what I’m up against”
“By a leader who’s willing to protect the culture of our department and remove those who poison our ranks”
Those are just a few of the responses but there’s something I’d like for you to do;
Sales Reps: Please take a moment to comment below and let us know how YOU wish to be led.
Sales Managers: Please take a look in the mirror (an honest one) Are you leading in a way that your sales team follows you not because they have to, because they want to?
Really Important: When was the last time you asked your team (individually and in a group) how they want to be led?
One More Thing . . .
If you are responsible for a team of sales reps, I hope you’ll consider my online sales leadership course.
There are 6 awesome (if I do say so myself) sessions waiting for you and we record each one so you can go at your own pace.
Please click here to check it out and to take the first step in taking your awesome leadership skills up a notch or 3!
