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Have you ever thought about the balancing act sales managers must endure as they help develop our sales skills? Oh, I know, we frequently see him or her as a tyrant demanding that we meet unrealistic goals. However, think for a second about the chess game a good sales manager has to play in order to provide sales advice that we value.

“…give your sales manager a big hug.”

Close to Us
They must have a good relationship with us so that we listen to them and value the sales help they provide. While maintaining a good connection with us they must simultaneously not be a salesperson. We don’t want them running our accounts and upper management needs to see them as part of management, not as a sales representative.

Bootlicking Upper Management
While loving us they also must kowtow to upper management. A sales manager has to be close enough to upper management to get information but not be viewed as “one of them” by his or her sales team. Normally the valuable information gained from upper management is beneficial to the sales team and passed on as sales tips.

It’s not easy for a sales manager to keep the plates spinning and balanced. Every sales job has its notable challenges, especially the sales manager’s.

Now go give your sales manager a big hug.

Related links: Key Sales Advice: Your Sales Manager’s Password, Sales Manager and Sales Representative Working Together,Sales Tips to Keep Your Manager Happy

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Tags: manager, salespeople

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