This is my first post, consider it testing the waters. I've wanted to reach out to a community to get feedback, suggestions, advice, and possibly a new perspective. I originally thought about posting on Linkedin, but feel there are folks here at my current company that might run across the post and feel I am taking a jab.
First off, to all the sales savages out there, I commend you. You chose this line of work because you have something in your DNA that sets you apart from the average joe. There is a confident conscientiousness about everything you do. You take ownership and personal responsibility not only for your own success but the success of your company and often times willing to die trying. This is what I love about sales, you are chosen to be on the front line hindering on success or failure.
I've been on the sales side of business for the majority of my 20 year career and recently took a position as the director of operations and sales for a company that owns and manages several lifestyle brands running as their own entities. Now, having the responsibility of managing the sales and non sales parts of the business and overseeing employees that are paid salary and hourly I see a clear division in the personality traits of these employees. This is my dilemma, and the reason I am reaching out to you as a community to get another perspective.
I feel there is a "good enough" complacent attitude that plagues most of the departments. What I am hoping to learn is what are the motivating factors for an hourly or salaried employee? How do we instill ownership and urgency within these departments?
One idea I have been mulling over is opening the door for commissions to all employees, a sort of brand ambassador program. Would this miss the mark for employees just punching in and out, or would this be a motivator that could possibly bleed over into taking more pride in their current role?
Thoughts???
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