YesitsmetheTopG

AE

Remote Working & Management Question Opinions

I've been in B2B sales for about 6 years one reason i have stuck with the job is it gives me the freedom to work however I please as long as I'm doing my job while making some serious money.

I've been remote since the pandemic and have been at my current employer for about a year. I loved the job until recently because a lot of people have not been pulling their weight and now they are requiring mandatory on camera cold calling for everyone on a teams bridge sometimes multiple of them a day. These calls will include our managers & sometimes our vp pop into them. And they ask reps to make calls off mute and go in line. They are mandating these calls almost everyday and for me taking away the enjoyment of the job. I'm starting to feel like a call center telemarketer which is not why I'm in B2b outside sales.

I think in a professional b2b setting you should be treated as such and more importantly an adult. if a rep fails to make their numbers coach them out. We are all adults and know what the job is and don't need to be treated as children.

I'm just curious to hear outside perspectives on this. Thoughts?

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Pachacuti

Politicker

3

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Has the organization as a whole been making their numbers? This is usually what a desperate mngt team does when numbers aren't being met.

But I'm sure your sales manager dislikes this as well. No ones likes to babysit. Perhaps you can make the case, if your numbers are good enough, to not have to do all that.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

0

AE

I think that is the problem that the org is not and it’s coming from the top level down. I have not yet had the conversation with my manager.

Pachacuti

Politicker

1

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

yah, that's the problem. Its a knee-jerk reaction to "watch the bee watchers more closely", etc. You might take it as a sign that the ship is sinking, or at least rocking a lot.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

0

AE

The funny thing is they started this a few months ago to help improve performance but all it’s done is made the overall performance even worse.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

2

Bravado's Resident Asshole

I think this is a classic "rotten apple spoils the bunch" situation. Just turns the whole thing into a turd to work with and then comes the smell and lack of wanting to deal with the shit.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

Indeed I’ve had a co worked quit recently because of it

SDM

Politicker

1

Sales development manager

I agree

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

Have you brought this up to management/leadership?

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

2

AE

Not yet, this is a regional wide initiative coming down from director/vp level. I don’t think a conversation with management would fix anything though. I had a co worker of mine just quit because of this.

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

If it is just an initiative, can you wait until it stops becoming one? In my company at least, usually these things last a few months and then never rear their ugly head again

Sunbunny31

Politicker

2

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I've seen this happen a few times in the past.

I wouldn't enjoy it either, but I also wouldn't immediately run screaming for the hills just yet.

How long has this been going on? And besides your colleague quitting, has anything else changed? eg, is it working, or not, and have you gotten any feedback?

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

It’s been going on about 4 months now with no signs of stopping yet

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

2

AE

4 months and on going. It’s def not working, no personal feedback but from the trending of the numbers you can see it’s not working and consensus of co workers are they aren’t happy.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

Just to pre face that I’m a top performer best on my team and top 5 in my region.

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

I think you have to have the conversation with management before assuming that conversation wouldn't change anything

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

Yeah the thing Is I think when I reflect and look at how they’re going about managing people outside of just this issue like using fear as motivator, constantly reminding people they can be and replaced, making statements that make them people like just a number, telling people “you’re lucky to have this job” etc i come to the conclusion that things probably won’t change and management probably needs an overhaul.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

But also I don’t disagree with you. I just think this is beyond my managers power to control at the moment but outside my assumptions it may be worth talking to them about it.

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

Seems like you already have a foot out the door, wouldn't hurt to explore other options

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

4 months is a long time, I'd thought it might have been a week or so old. So, sounds like you've given it some time, and they're just continuing.

Also sounds like there are other factors that are contributing to your overall negative impression. Honestly, I'd be looking for another position elsewhere. You don't need to tell the current company you're looking, even if you decide to talk to your manager about the constraints.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

Yeah I’m giving them a lot of lee way because I like my manager and the job but things just seem to be going downhill appreciate the feed back

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

Agreed not the worst approach

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

If you like your manager, have you asked about the program and if it's going to continue for much longer?

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

1

Sales Rep

Dang I am really sorry to hear that, do you have any call tracking software showing length of call showing your calls are legitimate and actually are doing them.

I dont know anyone and I mean ANYONE who needs an on video meeting to do cold calls. This is stuff for people on a PIP not all reps for an org.

The good thing is, VPs, directors, and managers dont want to me on those calls just to watch cold calls so I dont think that trend will last once numbers improve

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

1

AE

Lol dude it’s a living hell. Yeah they do track already is the thing so it’s nonsensical in my opinion. I think managers and directors should have better things to do with their time.

SalesJesus29

Tycoon

1

Regional Sales Director

Rough situation to be in... unfortunately people take advantage of the system and it ruins it for everyone. I would have a 1-on-1 conversation with your upper management about it.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

0

AE

Come save me sales Jesus

SalesJesus29

Tycoon

1

Regional Sales Director

Hahah I wish I could, man! To your point, it is tough to be treated like children. I would take a hard look at how long you're willing to put up with the micromanagement, set a date and if it doesn't get better by then, start looking at different options. It comes down to trust. Seems like that is a trait you truly value yet your company does not. Might be worth looking at different companies that better align with your values.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

0

AE

Thank you holy sales Jesus I appreciate your guidance I will heed your advice. Trust is def a big thing for me.

SalesJesus29

Tycoon

0

Regional Sales Director

Always here to provide wisdom and support! ;) Keep your faith. Let me know if there is anything I can do to better support you.

ChumpChange

Politicker

1

Channel Manager

Ugh... this sounds like a new regime under a recently introduced executive. At the same time, if you're not looking at the volume/performance data this might be an over-correction for a lack of production. I would look into what driving this new mandate and see how that connects to the front lines. One thing you have to be mindful of is that if you lose an experienced IC... it's going to be a mofo to replace, train and ramp that new hire. So now you have to make your numbers with less time.

YesitsmetheTopG

Contributor

0

AE

This is spot on. The leadership is all very brand new. The market went through an overhaul about a year ago about the same time I came in to the org. Mind you this a fortune 20 company but has the least market penetration compared to competitors in the space idk how they think from a top down perspective this is resolving anything performance related short or long term.

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