IzzyWinning
Have you even been a team lead or a player/coach for an AE team? What was the experience like?
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You'd think this is a job where you work for the AE's (supporting, training, etc) but, in many cases, you don't. You work for leadership.
Thanks for your perspective on this, @goose!
Powerful from the Goose
Its a tough one to get into because the leader and AE mindsets are fundamentally incompatible when it comes to time management. As an AE you have to be as selfish as possible with your time focusing only on the thinks that advance you personally where as the leader has to be selfless and focus on others being free with their time. Having done both I have some ideas on how to balance and win in both if anyone is interested
GREAT insight here. People always talk about the incompatibility of Sales and Marketing, but Sales and Leadership are just as conflicting.
I'm always interested. Feel free to post your ideas here!
What I have found works best is to build an additional 30 min into my time blocks that are reserved for execution on AE work which gives me room to be interrupted by other reps if they need me.
Great insight. Thank you so much @Blackswan!
Currently doing it now without the title to shoot for the title in Q3. I like it so far but at times it can be overwhelming and definitely can take time away from closing/prospecting
Yah, I’m kind of doing it already as well minus the title. I’m curious as to what people have experienced when formalized. How does their OTE change? Maybe even some insight from someone that made the move from Player/coach to manager.
Have been player/coach. Honestly, I thought it was the best. First off, it kept my selling aptitude sharp. Secondly, I was able to be more aligned with my team and understand "how's it going". Lastly, gave me a true chance to lead by example.
I’ve done it, it’s impossible to do both well, you may be able to pull both off “decently” but in the long run it’s impossible to be an IC and a leader
My dilemma is that it is going to be a necessary transitional role to get to management at my company. So tough to turn down.
I get it, and I've done it. I am just sharing the experience that it will be near impossible to do both exceptionally. I don't why leadership continues to think this "player/coach" concept is a good idea.
Definitely what I’m hearing. Will be an adventure for sure!
I’m currently transitioning too. It’s a tough job to do that balancing act. But the prospect of getting into management is worth it. Also depends on how long you’re expected to play that role.
I think just a couple of quarters.
Gotta roll through it, I guess. I would.
Just came off 2 years of a player/coach team lead role, whatever you want to call it. The pros for sure outweigh the cons- as it keeps you sharp, positions you for career growth (ie: management), has OTE implications (every company is different, where I was it was a sliding quarterly bonus based on team achievement against targets), and lastly- means you have the track record of outperforming and can help coach other reps through promotion.
The one downside, if you can call it that- is staying on top of your game and continuing to be a great performer. One of the main questions you need to answer yourself is how would it feel if you had an off quarter or were being outperformed by people you should be coaching.
The one downside, if you can call it that- is staying on top of your game and continuing to be a great performer. One of the main questions you need to answer yourself is how would it feel if you had an off quarter or were being outperformed by people you should be coaching.
Yes. It's more of closing multiple deals while supporting a team who loves to close
Leadership overload
Leadership overload
Cool, you're doing two jobs for one salary!
Yes, didn't mind it but I think it depends on your organization. If you have autonomy its way better
My team hated our player/coach AE because they had the same individual quota and also got to control all inbound. Very shady!
Only if you're making extra money.
Did that job. You can be a player or a coach. Not both. It’s fine for awhile, but over time the competing priorities of serving leadership or hitting your numbers consistently will clash. I choose my $$ unless I see there’s a management position coming up within 3 months.
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