Every night thousands of sales professionals find themselves discussing their day with a spouse or significant other.  For most of us, 90% of our day is spent working so that is typically the main topic of discussion.  That is why when you meet a person’s spouse or significant other, they usually say something like, “I have heard so much about you.”  And believe me, they have!  The question I pose is, “Do you know exactly what was said?”  Whether you like it or not, as the manager, you are the center of a person’s work life, you represent the company they work for and are the focal point of whatever emotion, positive or negative they are experiencing. There is no such thing as a separation of your professional and personal life.  I use to think that before my wife reminded me of just how much I talk to her about my work.  Is it any different for you?

The purpose of this article is to remind us as managers of the significant influence a salesperson’s personal life has on his or her career.  Remember that they take home to work every day and work goes home with them every night.  And by work, I mean you!  Not literally but figuratively.

What do you want your employees to take home?

Salespeople have to constantly justify their work to their spouse, family or significant other.  All of the ups and downs, highs and lows of their work play a significant role in the ebb and flow of their personal lives.  It goes without saying that as a manager, you have to abide by the standards, expectations and directives of your organization.  All I want you to think about is the fact that while you are doing the job you were hired to do, is that you remember that you are communicating with real people that have real emotions and feelings.  By no means am I saying that you should bend the rules or make exceptions for individuals that do not meet the required standards and expectations; all that I am saying is that you should try to communicate to your salespeople in a way that inspires them and makes them feel good about what they do and who they work for.  Believe me, if your salespeople take home a manager that appreciates and believes in them, they will transfer that positive energy into their home and will in turn receive positive reinforcement from their significant others. This will energize and make them even more committed to doing the best job they can…not just for the company, but also for you!

If you are a salesperson or a sales manager reading this, please feel free to share your stories and thoughts about this blog.

To Your Story!

Ja Marr