Are You Really the Best Sales Manager You Can Be?

Being a sales manager sounds so glamorous, so in charge, so important. And it is important, you are a leader, responsible for people, and what you do affects them.

If you have the title of manager and the skills, you can thrive in this position while being a good influence and manager of those under you.

You'll stand out to your employer as not only a great manager, but also a great team player.

Watch what you are doing though, because just as important as doing the right things, is not doing the wrong things.

Let's take a look at what's good and what isn't...

What a good manager should do:

• Value your salespeople - You should let your salespeople know that you value them. If you want them to work hard and get the job done, let them know that you know they are working hard and that what they do is valued and meaningful.

• Set a good example - Do the things you want them to do. Show them how to be good at what they do. You can also probably learn from your salespeople, too, so don't be afraid to acknowledge that.

• Help your salespeople be independent - You should help them learn to do things on their own, but be available if they need you. You have a job to do too, and can't be doing their jobs for them.

• Emulate your good sales managers - Think back to what you loved about your sales manager. What helped you learn to be successful? Put those things into your repertoire and you'll be successful at this, too.

What a good manager shouldn't do:

The article “Seven Mistakes That May Prevent You from Becoming the Perfect Sales Manager” shares some good insight into what NOT to do as a manager, here are some of them...Don't:

• Point fingers - Mistakes happen. Maybe something should have been done differently, but don't place blame. Ultimately, you are responsible for what happens, and if you 're ready to point fingers, maybe you should have paid attention long ago. Try to step in and help to resolve the situation instead of blaming.

• Not listen - When your salespeople come to you, listening is all important. For one, it shows that you value them (an important part of being a good manager) and two, it helps solve whatever problem they are coming to you with.

• Treat everyone the same - Yes, it sounds like a nice ideal that everyone be treated the same, but everyone isn't the same. You may have people under you of different generations, with different family situations, different responsibilities and with different personalities. Remember, people are individuals and should be treated as such.

You are in this position for a reason, and you can be amazing at it.

Remember, value your salespeople and treat them as individuals.

Listen to what they have to say and be a good role model. Your team can come together and be the stars of the company.

When your employer sees you all working well together, enriching each other and pulling in great accounts, he will notice you, too.