Comments on: How to Be a Better Sales Manager, Part 1 – Listen

By: 10 Ways to Be a Better Sales Manager | Word Sell, Inc.

10 Ways to Be a Better Sales Manager | Word Sell, Inc. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:59:25 +0000

[...] 1. Listen [...]

By: Rich Vosler

Rich Vosler — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:30:21 +0000

Jerry, I agree that it depends on the individual. I was pointing out that most companies make the decision to put a star salesperson in that role in order to fill the position quickly. That’s where it can be deadly.

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:15:30 +0000

Hi Jerry, you’re absolutely right it all comes down to the individual. If a star rep wants to manage (personally I haven’t seen too many that do), then they can succeed for all the reasons you mention, but they still need to have or develop management skills. Success also depends on the organization and what they’re asking sales managers to do.

By: Jerry Bramble

Jerry Bramble — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:06:52 +0000

Guys,
One brush and all great sales people suck as sales managers? Bad Idea? I know several people who have the drive, desire and were great sales people. They became managers and are better managers because they know the pro’s/con’s. They also can relate better. Sure both sides have pro’s and con’s but this conversation should be more about individuals then to paint it as a bad idea from the git go. I can give you many examples of why it is a good idea and how it works as a mentor/rep relationship.
Have a good one

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:16:19 +0000

Hi Rich, Mike. Good points about sales stars becoming managers. Bad idea! Management skills and sales skills are completely different.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:21:06 +0000

That’s the main reason I don’t accept a position as a sales manager, Rich.

I’m “built” to sell and that has nothing to do with managing.

In fact, I’d make a lousy sales manager, because nobody could work for me due to my drive, my passion and my commitment. If they had less, I’d not be able to accept it.

Like my good friend who’s never met me said, “Man’s gotta know his limitations.”

By: Rich Vosler

Rich Vosler — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:15:16 +0000

Great post Brad. I haven’t heard of the book you recommended but I’ll definitely look at it. I love Mike’s comment. We have to get corporate america to realize that the best sales people don’t always make the best sales managers!

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:29:07 +0000

If you find a sales manager that will stop what he’s doing, look at you and actually act like he’s paying attention to what you say…. give him my number !

I don’t remember the last one I had that listened.