When I went to work for the now-defunct NAPL, I was told I’d be reporting to Mike Phillie. Mike and I knew each other well enough that I could (and did) call him to talk about how to manage me. My words were succinct but spot on:
“Mike, don’t ever tell me what to do. I will do the opposite.”
When my brother’s company was sold (he was part owner and wrote 80% of its sales), a 32-year-old sales manager sent him a list of the monthly reports he wanted. Andy sent a —polite-r than I am writing here—email that read, “That’s just not going to happen.”
Sales reps and children do not come with instruction manuals. Moreover, everyone is managed and motivated differently. If you are not getting what you want or need, speak up. You might not get what you want or need but you are definitely not going to get it if you don’t ask.
Having a “Here’s how you manage me” conversation with your boss is just another sales job. You will need to first understand what he or she wants and then structure your comments accordingly. Without that step, you risk coming across as demanding and arrogant. So, start your conversation with some form of, “Look, I know you want the most from me that you can get. Here is how I think you can make that happen…”
It might just be the best sale you make this month.
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Sales Vault members get three chances a week to speak with each other, get input, and hear how their peers are solving the same challenges they are. Get more information at SalesVault.pro or call Bill Farquharson at 781-934-7036.
