When I am asked what I do for a living, I often find that people have a skewed vision of what a sales manager does. Not many people think there is something more profound or meaningful about a role in sales management. On the surface, it can look like management is only directing others to accomplish business objectives. But leadership can be so much more than that. In addition to achieving straightforward business objectives, it also means being a coach, partner, and support system for your team, during the good times and the bad.
If you are a sales manager, when is the last time you reflected on the meaning that your role brings to you? Why you decided to venture in this profession in the first place? Most companies have a mission statement that articulates their purpose and values. Why, as managers, do we not have a mission statement as well? A statement at the very least that represents who we are as a leader and why we got into management in the first place.
The more you understand your reason for joining management, the easier it will be to make it through the tumultuous times. Some days you may ask yourself, “Why am I doing this? I could have made more money staying in sales and only have to worry about myself.” When those moments, days or even weeks happen, remember your foundation, your compass, the reason why you got into management in the first place.
So, what is your why? Honestly, rank the reasons you are in a management position or would like to get into a role in leadership. Some of the most common reasons are helping others, making more money, title/prestige, career advancement, being a leader in your organization.
The next time you hear that you are “just a sales manager”, reflect upon your personal mission statement, the “why” behind your purpose and what attracted you to this profession, and the “who” of the person you are. Being a sales manager has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and if you are a sales manager, I hope one of yours as well.
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