Most people in sales management or with a title that is responsible for leading a sales team, speak about leading by example.

However, exactly what does that mean?

Many who attend our Sales Training think that to lead your team by example, is to sell as much or as more as each member of the sales team.

In some sales organisations, this may be practical.

However, in many other situations, due to time constraints, additional responsibilities, and a host of other reasons, it may not only be impractical, but impossible for the manager to lead the team in sales. And should the sales manager still be responsible for “closing sales” too?

In some companies when a sales rep moves into a sales management role they step back from the day to day selling and are now responsible for motivating, coaching, developing and driving the sales performance of their teams.

So how can you lead by example? What do good sales managers do?

Excel in the following four critical areas and you will not only lead your sales team by example but lead them to another level as well!

Just remember that your goal is to L.E.A.D.!

L = Loyal

The single most vital leadership area that your salespeople must see in you is a complete and unalterable loyalty to your company, products or services and your industry.

You must believe in what sell wholeheartedly, but also in HOW you sell it. You must have total faith in your sales processes, your operating methodology, sales philosophy and the future of your entire industry.

Your sales teams must know that you eat, sleep, walk, talk, and even bleed your company at all times.

E = Ethics

First, you need to have a set of ethical standards that are uncompromising, and you must practice what you preach. You must have a zero tolerance for anything that in any way represents a misleading concept or statement, misrepresentation, over exaggeration or a fabrication of any kind. In addition, you need to possess and demonstrate an unyielding personal work ethic. Be the first one in, and the last to leave.

A = Attitude

You need to be the unshakable rock of positivity.

Nothing, from tough economic times to competitive issues, to personal problems, should ever dampen your enthusiasm, passion, and optimistic outlook on today, tomorrow, and beyond. You should be able to see some good in everybody and everything.

Your salespeople should get a boost of positive energy just from being in your presence.

D = Done It

Finally, to lead by example truly, you need to have been there and done that. While it may not be possible for you to get in the field and sell with your team, the goals and quotas you assign should be things that you have accomplished at some time in your career.

You can tell your sales team that they should be closing ten sales every week and that it is easy and all they must do is follow the plan. However, if you have never, personally closed ten similar sales a week in your life yourself, you have a serious credibility problem.

The team needs to know that anything you ask of them, that you are not only willing to do yourself, but have done it.

L.E.A.D. and your sales team will follow!

If you’d like to improve leadership skills even further then our Sales Management Training Course will equip you with the sales techniques, strategies and management skills to take your game to the next level.

The course is certified from the Institute of Sales Management so it will not only make you into a better sales leader, but it will also give your credibility with your people and your current and future employers.

If you’re ever looking for some Sales Training then please check out our Sales Training Courses.

Happy Selling!

Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Sales Training