503AEAA

Account Executive

How do I make my sales manager understand that my sales style does not fit into his?

Hi dear sales pros, I'm looking for advice here to make my sales manager understand that the sales style he's used to doing, doesn't fit into what I do.

He's new to our company and the industry as well (experienced in automobile, new to tech), on the other hand I'm the most tenure sales rep in the team and worked in the industry for quite a bit. We're constantly having this type of disagreements because he's not used to have sales reps that do things differently and are risk-takers.

So, how do I make him understand that I'm not his average sales rep?

Thank you all!

🧢 Sales Management

27 comments

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businessdevelopment

Opinionated

Distribution Lead

Show your style works by crushing your sales targets.

Opinions are useless if they don't produce results.

Assuming you are making sales legally/ethically/etc. your new manager shouldn't really be trying to change your style.

However, it all comes down to results.

503AEAA

Contributor

Account Executive

Thanks @businessdevelopment
I'm about to own Q1, so hopefully that will give peace of mind.

SalesPharaoh

Big Shot

Senior Account Executive

I agree here have the conversation after owning Q1 and if you owned last year use them for reference.

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

EXCELLENT ADVICE - I did a similar stuff in early days of sales - trust, this applies to every domain and industry!

salesman

Account Executive

Backing up what @businessdevelopment said. If you are exceeding your sales quota than there is really nothing your manager can change.

Also, eventually your coworkers will start leaning more on your advice rather than the managers. (Which is not a bad thing at all)

503AEAA

Contributor

Account Executive

Thank you @salesman much appreciated

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Show them you have a high close rate and don't miss a single kpi. That will help build your case. People that think there's only one correct way to do things kill me.

SaaS_Slanger

Old School Bravo

Regional Sales Manager

It could be interesting to understand why he disapproves of your sales style? Ask what changes he would like you to make, and why? If there is a compelling reason or he provides good advice you could make it a point to incorporate some of it. He could be trying to "assert dominance" on a top-producing rep to show his value and you could change the entire dynamic of this working relationship by incorporating some of his advice and really just "Throwing him a bone".

We_All_We_Got

Old School Bravo

@503AEAA - Results will speak loudly but I'd also give his style a try and show how it's failed so he is able to see both sides of the coin

503AEAA

Contributor

Account Executive

Thank you! @We_All_We_Got seems a good idea to give it a try to collect data and prove my point or even learn new things.

nomdeguerre

Executive

Account executive

As most people are saying revenue solves most things. Outside of that it is kinda hard to give you advice without knowing more specifics around your different styles. What exactly is it that you are doing that he doesn't want you to do, and what is he wants you to do that you don't want to do?

503AEAA

Contributor

Account Executive

@nomdeguerre

To pinpoint exact scenarios I would mention the following:
- He believes that you have to speak to every client like if you were speaking to the Pope and does not give room to have a laid back natural conversation with the prospects.
- Against video prospecting and video follow-ups because it might seem "unprofessional".

nomdeguerre

Executive

Account executive

@503AEAA well the first one is just kind of silly and sounds like something from the 1950s. You are trying to build a natural relationship, so you should what feels like a natural conversation. Although, it can also go too far in the other direction where you are talking to your prospect likes it your buddy you have know since 4th grade, so of course it is a balancing act. As for the second thing with video prospecting, I guess its a style thing, I'm not a fan myself and certainly wouldn't use it with someone I didn't already had some kind of relationship with but maybe you can make it work.

I think what I would suggest you do is pull together data on your past performance and your current pipeline and how you are on track to crush your number. Then on your next 1-on-1 with your manager you tell him, in a respectful maner, that you understand that you have different styles and approach sales and prospecting differently. However, you have consistently shown that your approach works for you, show him your data, and you believe it is what has and will continue to work.

Then propose to him that he allows you to work the way that has been succesful for you for the next two quaters (or however long you think is best) and if it works and you make your numbers, then he allows you to continue to work that way. If it doesn't, then you commit to trying his approach for a similar amount of time.

If that doesn't work, then you basically have two options. 1. nod and say yes to whatever he says, and then continue doing whatever you were going to do anyway. Of course if you don't make your number eventually that won't work. Or 2. look for a new gig where they will let you do you :-)

503AEAA

Contributor

Account Executive

Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

nomdeguerre

Executive

Account executive

My pleasure, best of luck!

Trinity

WR Officer

BusDev

+1 with businessdevelopment. Show your sales manager that your system works. With that said, ask him to A/B test his "sales style" and have an open mind; perhaps both of you may learn a few things from each other.

SonomaKitsune

VP of Sales

Revenue results matter, but positive customer success outcomes matters more. I’d challenge both of you to approach this from an outward in lens (customer-centric and follow their journey).

Focus on developing great customer success stories that you can publish. Then it’s not a “you versus your manager”, but a process of cultivating great brand ambassadors and solid references. No leader would challenge that approach and goal.

503AEAA

Contributor

Account Executive

Great advice @SonomaKitsune thanks for dropping knowledge

FullyDiluted

Opinionated

Account Director

Results speak for themselves. If your way works, and he's new to this world, he should recognize his style needs to evolve

LostAngeleno33

Old School Bravo

VP Sales

Data. Show how your process and style has delivered the outcomes he is looking for. Data (almost) always wins in my sales mgmt experience.

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

I'd build a case by showing results : close rates and KPIs etc
If it's good for me, I'd be upfront to comment and justify my approach

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

MDR

Also, eventually your coworkers will start leaning more on your advice rather than the managers. (Which is not a bad thing at all)

Clashingsoulsspell

Politicker

ISR

Show your style works by crushing your sales targets.

genequeen

Good Citizen

Account Executive

I think you can politely say that you see merits in different types of sales styles and have gleaned aspects from various styles, but ultimately your AUTHENTICITY with clients is paramount to successfully creating and growing relationships. (sorry, no other way to emphasize a word without it seeming like I am yelling lol)

goose

Politicker

Sales Executive

I don't know. Sounds like a lot of complaining. Just do your job.

MR.StretchISR

Politicker

ISR

Show your style works by crushing your sales targets.
Opinions are useless if they don't produce results.

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503AEAA

How do I make my sales manager understand that my sales style does not fit into his?

27 comments

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