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    The Progress Coaching Blog

    Sales Managers - Build Bench Strength Now!

    May 8, 2015 Posted by : Tim Hagen
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    relax-1As visit with clients, a common theme emerges. Many leaders are concerned about the number of experienced sales professionals that will be retiring over the next 5 years, a reality that is coming as Baby Boomers continue to retire. What about the young sales people who are too relaxed about their sales careers?

     

    There is a great shift occurring in the workplace. By the year 2020, 50% of the workforce will be made up of Millennials; these workers today are in their early 20's to mid 30's. Organizations will need these young professionals to step into leadership roles.

     

    So what are you doing to ensure that you are addressing your bench strength in your sales department today?

     

    Are you diversifying and bringing in younger professionals to start learning and working side by side with your tenured and skilled employees?

     

    Group coaching sessions are a great way to begin that transition.

     

    1. Schedule a 30 - 60 minute session one or twice per month.
    2. Break your people into teams of 3 or 4 and give them a problem to solve.
    3. You can also ask the salespeople to come up with a list of problems and then pick one of those scenarios at each session.
    4. Make sure the teams are composed of varying levels of experience.
    5. Have the teams work together to solve the issue, practice a role play, teach a product or process back to each other, or any other learning experience your team comes up with.

     

    The key is regularly scheduled practice sessions!  Reward Efforts All Along The Way ! Have Fun ! Reward Progress ! Results Are Just Around The Corner!

    The Number Adult Learner Requirement: ATTITUDE
    No Coaching = No Talent Development

    About Author

    Tim Hagen
    Tim Hagen

    Tim Hagen founded Progress Coaching, a Training Reinforcement Partner Company, in 1997. His entrepreneurial career began in college leading to positions in sales, sales management, and sales training for small and large corporations, and eventually ownership of several training companies. Tim is often a keynote speaker at companies teaching the value of coaching and conversations in the workplace. He possesses a unique combination of hands-on experience, academics, and innovative insight to solve the industry’s most common challenges specific to workplace performance. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in Adult Education and Training from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

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