8 Things Salespeople Do Behind Their Manager’s Back
While sales is generally an independent profession, you most likely answer to a sales manager.
Sales managers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are great, and some are, well… some can be difficult to work with, which is no different than in any other profession.
But what is different are the myriad ways salespeople deal with their bosses. Some have close relationships, and some try to stay out of their manager’s way. But in most offices, you’ll find that the salespeople tend to do the same eight things behind their manager’s back.
Be honest – how many of these have you done?
1. Blame marketing
It’s a tale as old as time. The leads are terrible. The marketing is bad. And what do they even do over there all day besides plan their next “creative retreat!?”
2. Ignore/fight with the CRM
A CRM is like an albatross hanging around salespeople’s necks (unless you’re using Spiro, of course). Constantly updating it gets old, especially when you get nothing in return.
3. Sandbag deals
Let’s be honest, everybody does it. There are reasons – both good and bad – but if the sales manager finds out, she won’t be happy.
4. Calculate their commission check over and over again
They say not to count your chickens before they hatch. But try telling that to an overworked salesperson whose future paycheck changes by the hour.
5. Complain about the comp plan
Complaining about the comp plan is a sales pastime. And if you’re not complaining, then a comp plan change is probably right around the corner.
6. Keep their favorite websites open in a secret tab at all times
Twitter, DraftKings, Wikipedia or Spiro’s blog … everybody has a website they’re obsessed with. And if you think salespeople stay off the internet for eight hours a day, you’re crazy.
7. Make secret deals with their coworkers
Whether it’s a top-secret deal exchange, coverage swap, or an outside bet on who’s going to close more deals, for some reason, salespeople love making backdoor arrangements with their coworkers.
8. Work on a plan to become the next sales manager
Not every salesperson wants to become a sales manager, but every salesperson has imagined what it would be like. Eventually, one of them will rise up through the ranks and become the next boss.
