Commandments for Sales Team Leaders

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Being a sales team leader is not the easiest job in the world. There is a lot of pressure, and if you don’t know how to deal with it, it can turn into a disaster. Here are a few laws to follow that can turn you into a fearless leader in an army of salesman.

1. Learn and Practice Fundamentals: There is no official list of basic rules to leading a sales team, but there are a few starting points. Find the right talent for your team. Know the item or service you are selling front to back. Understand the customers you are trying to sell to. These may be simple tips that you are already familiar with, but still strive to master them.

2. Take Responsibility: You are the leader, which means you are accountable for any setbacks or missteps that may occur. Avoid the blame game at all costs; it’s just a response to protect underperformance from consequences. Live with what happened and focus on leading your team to better results. Emphasize hiring the right people for the job, and any slipups will dwindle.

3. Help to Create More Leaders: You’re not going to be around forever. It’s your duty to discover capable leaders that you can help to develop. A great leader understands they’re not going to be around forever. Assist your legacy and build people that can easily transition to leading the team themselves.

4. Accept and Flow with Change: The world is always changing and so is the sales industry. Be able to “go with the flow” and understand that change is for the better. It might take a while to get used to, but it is to your benefit to follow change, and avoid getting left behind with old techniques.

5. Establish Rhythm: Have a game plan that you can execute weekly. Schedule meetings, one on one sessions, and performance reviews ahead of time and stick to them. You need a system that can work at any time and can be followed easily by your team. This way, they can become comfortable with how your system works, while also receiving enough individual attention.

6. Be Approachable and Available when Needed: A sales leader that is not accessible doesn’t help the team at all. Make sure your team understands that you want them to succeed, and can make time for them whenever they need it. This will easily make your team admire you more while also keeping them calm and comfortable with any tasks.

Ken Lear on Pinterest