How to Rock Your First Days as a New Sales Leader
It’s been an eventful year so far. We just watched a new leader take his presidential oath ... Millions of people marched in angry protest against said new leader … Now you’re starting your own new path as manager, director or VP at the startup/company of your dreams. Whether you’re preparing to influence a sales team or the Western Hemisphere, making the transition into a new leadership role is no easy feat. Here are seven things you can do make it a smooth start:
#1. Use the time before your transition wisely: Your transition begins during the interview process when you’re being picked for the role. Use the weeks or days beforehand to get as much information about the organization and start your planning.
#2. Learn all about the culture of your organization: This sounds obvious, but it goes way beyond studying a company’s website or brochures. Talk to your hiring manager, (future) boss, HR, and learn their history, policies, procedures and attitudes.
#3. Make sure your new role is clear and understood by you, your co-workers and direct reports: Understanding what is expected of you, as well as each of team member, plays a major role in the success of the department.
#4. Get to know your new team: Talk with each person about how they feel about you being their new manager. This is a good way to uncover any potential issues that might come up later, so you can deal with them now.
#5. Communicate the team’s goals and objectives: Come up with a strategy that includes clear and concise goals and objectives. Then, work hard to crush them.
#6. Start making your mark right away: A study by sales strategist Steve W. Martin states that “Sixty-nine percent of salespeople who exceeded their annual quota rated their sales manager as being excellent or above average.” ...Start building momentum from day one. Identify and focus on problems that can resolved in a relatively short amount of time. Make sure they’re solutions that result in operational and financial gains for the company.
#7. Take Care of Yourself: Finally, get in good shape- mentally, emotionally and physically- in order to keep up with the demands of your new job. Have a network of peers, friends and family that can be there for advice and support when you need it.
You’ve got a big job ahead of you, and like our new president, you may not win over everyone. But regardless of what happens: stay focused, do your best, treat everyone fairly and with respect --and success for you and your team will follow.