MemeStonks profile picture
MemeStonks profile picture

MemeStonks

Enterprise Account Executive

OG Sales Savage
Member
Good Citizen
+3

My manager asks me this question, and it drives me nuts...

Is it normal for a sales manager to ask on Slack after almost every call,"Follow-up scheduled?"


I have been at my company for almost 4 years, and have over 10 years of experience. I know what the F*CK I'm doing. This manager has just over 2 years of management experience and just over 6 months with me, and is CRUSHING my spirits. They've lost a lot of AE's in the past 12 months too, along with negative reviews, but upper management doesn't seem to care.


Am I being a snowflake, or is this normal? For more context, when I respond all I get it in return is,"Got it."


S.A.D.N.E.S.S.

I'm being ______

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17 comments

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BmajoR
Arsonist
25
Account Executive
You should bring this up to your manager. "Hey, I noticed you ask me the same thing after every call and I'm curious if there is a reason for it? Am I not doing something right?" 

If they are as inexperienced as you say, they may need a nudge to help connect with you better. 
OldDogNewTricks
Opinionated
0
Sales guy
100% this 👆
cw95
Politicker
0
Sales Development Lead
This is perfect.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
10
☕️
Don't forget this: shit rolls downhill.

Likelihood: Your manager was in a meeting where sales leadership put a magnifying glass to loss reasons. One of them was a lack of follow-up. They then told every manager they had to ask every rep after every call if there was a follow-up scheduled. They know you're good, but they have to do it as a formality so they don't get shitcanned. You just happen to be the vista where all of this shit is settling at the moment.
CaneWolf
Politicker
2
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Yup, I wouldn't be shocked if your manager is documenting each and every time in a rolling Word doc.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
Dude. Seriously. Let it roll. Is it annoying? Yes. Should you save your battle for something greater? Also yes.
LordBusiness
Politicker
1
Chief Revenue Officer
absolutely, pick your battles
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
can you build a slack bot to automate respond?
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
The SM is just overeager. First time manager?
Whupswhups
Politicker
1
Business Development Representative
Happening to me too and I absolutely hate it
FromaBlankPerspective
Politicker
0
District Manager
That sounds like an insecure manager if I had to guess. I would take @Opal's advice and bring their attention to it. 
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Ask your manager if he feels you don’t set proper next steps and are burning through pipeline? If he answers no the follow up is to ask why he feels the need to ping you after each call if he is confident in you…you can 100% say it isn’t helpful and it’s just an extra thing to do. 
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
0
War Room Enthusiast
Looks like the company has seen better days, perhaps all these people leaving is making your manager insecure. Does he ask this to everyone or just you? If the latter he might trust you more than you think. You should talk to him about it, deep dive into why he constantly asks. 
justatopproducer
Politicker
0
VP OF SALES -US
Annoying, but id have a convo with them about it. Clear communication, with the least amount of friction. Leave out who has more experience or whos been there longer. Agree on expectations just like a sales meeting for next steps.
cw95
Politicker
0
Sales Development Lead
This is the worst, very frustrating when you know more than the person asking. Stay strong man. 
CCP
Opinionated
0
VP, Business Development
Sounds like an insecure manager. Maybe offer them a shoulder to cry on while you tell them "everything is going to be okay." 
Mr.Pickles
Arsonist
-3
Sr. Customer Success Manager
none of the above - your mental health is on thin ice as I see it. This is not constructive or even coaching... this is your manager imposing his authority over your experience. What's worst about that kind of behavior is that once you miss one follow-up call, shit's gonna hit the fan because the argument is going to be around: "see? that's why I tell you Follow-up scheduled" - reinforcing the bad conduct. My advice is to address it asap - letting him know exactly what you just shared and getting a common ground - maybe a weekly huddle to check the pending follow-up calls? 

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