Wow. This week, I had the amazing opportunity to teach a class on leading sales teams. At first, I was a bit hesitant about the material itself. I got the message, but the material itself was overwhelming. Somehow, I convinced myself not to stress out over the materials – a visual presentation, flipcharts, handouts, guides, flowcharts… you name it, we gave it to them. I had to coordinate all that “stuff” with a simple, yet powerful message. Something in the back of my mind told me not to get too wrapped up in the nitty-gritty, the perfection of hitting every point in the facilitator’s guide, and just deliver a message.
The amazing thing is that I was a systems trainer for several years, so most of my classroom time was spent showing how to use a software program, clarifying policies, teaching procedures, and hitting general compliance issues. Not small potatoes, but not the most inspirational of topics. Then the department reorganized, and I was fortunate enough to be selected for a new position that involved so many different topics. I’ve loved it so far. But today was one of those days that gave me chills. It was a day that I was truly thankful for what I do and the opportunities I have to make a difference in my company.
We’re rolling out a new sales program, and with that, a new program for our managers to better understand their role in the new program. We’ve typically taken a “teach the sales people and they’ll just do it” approach. Now though, we’re recognizing that the sales teams can’t succeed without leadership along the way… not management, but true leadership.
Unknowingly when my co-facilitator and I planned the agenda, I think I got the better end of the deal. I got to deliver the best parts of the course… motivation, intention, and what it means to be a leader, not just a manager. It was such a simple message at the core… how do you want to show up? Lead from the front. Set the example. Ask nothing of your team if you’re not willing to do it yourself. Be intentional. Have a purpose. Such simple thoughts, but when you commit to putting them into action, they lead to the most powerful results. Personal growth, engagement, a desire to succeed, and an unwillingness to settle for anything less.
So, how will you show up? Find your intent and own it. I just did.
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