In this assignment, you are asked to interview a sales manager and summarize what you learned in a paper of at least three pages. Follow the steps below to complete your assignment.
- Read the chapter assigned in this unit.
- Create four to six questions for your interview. When creating your questions, make sure that you include questions that will cover the following issues:
- the difference between management and leadership of a salesforce,
- how situational factors affect sales leadership, and
- best practices that sales managers can follow to create an effective salesforce.
- Find a sales manager to interview. You may be able to find one where you work or through your work colleagues, family, or friends ( e.g., auto dealers, radio and television stations, and newspapers have sales managers). A business you deal with may have a sales manager. Keep in mind that the sales manager you interview does not necessarily have to be local because you can conduct your interview in person, on the phone, or using the Internet (e.g., via e-mail, Skype, FaceTime).
- When you conduct your interview, remember to take notes. Be sure to record the name and title of the sales manager and where he or she works. Start your paper by identifying the person you interviewed.
- Report on your interview in a paper of at least two pages in length. As you prepare your report, list each question and then the sales manager’s response to the question.
- APA formatting is not required for this assignment.
Requirements: Depth
Answer preview
Employee motivation is the primary leadership trait that a person holding a managerial position in the sales department must exhibit. Given sales significance in any organization’s business model, it is no surprise that the salesforce comes under immense pressure to deliver and match up the high expectations embodied by organizational targets. When things get tough, the leader’s resilience acts as a pillar of strength and inspires employees to soldier on. Another key leadership trait is empathy and the ability to give feedback positively without degrading one’s juniors. As a person who has progressed up the ladder over the years, I understand perfectly how insensitivity can dent employees’ morale. Empathetic and respectful communication earns employees trust because the leader showcases a commitment to address the issues at hand rather than using a mishap as an opportunity to berate employees.
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