Should your sales manager be better at selling than you?

We just got a new sales manager and he decided to do some cold calling to put himself in our shoes. I did a cold call roleplay with him and it was yikes - he asked close-ended questions, left dead air after answering a question, sounded unnatural, etc. His actual cold calls were not much better.


In the grand scheme of things, does that matter? He's still getting ramped up so I understand he's a bit rusty and unfamiliar with our talk tracks. Should I instead be focused how well he can lead?

Should your sales manager be better at selling than you?

Attached poll
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๐Ÿ‘‘ Sales Strategy
๐Ÿงข Sales Management
๐Ÿ˜Ž Sales Skills
8
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
๐Ÿ‘‘
Sales managers need to be good at sales, but they don't have to be the best.

How can a salesperson learn from someone who even can't make a proper cold call? They'll earn no respect, the team will eat them alive.ย 

Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
I'd do good as long as he/she is alright with results and deliverables that I bring in๐Ÿ™Œ
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
0
Digital Business Associate
Most of the time the best coaches are not the best in the game. I know a handful of people that can help others grow and be successful but they couldn't sell water in the desert.
Lambda
Tycoon
0
Sales Consultant
managers i feel shouldnt sell, they should have sales exp so they can relate but look at any professional coach in any professional sport ever....... ok maybe not basketball of today but the point of a leader, manager isnt to be the best, its to get the best out of each individual
CJE
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Nothing worse than having a manager who THINKS they are better at selling than you
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
I've seen great salespeople suck at sales management. sales managers need to understand the cycle and how sales works very well, but they need to understand management. most salespeople are very selfish, which is a good thing as an IC. sales managers need to be the opposite and focus on helping others succeed. its a big plus if the manager can help step in on a deal to bring it to the finish line, but at the end of the day you're there to sell and the manager is there to manage.
CaneWolf
Politicker
0
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
I think I've had 2 managers who were definitely better sellers than me and one who was equal. I've been better than the rest and it hasn't mattered as long as they leave me alone.
YOTPO
Fire Starter
0
Account Executive
I've had a "Sales Manager" who showed zero interest in sales. Never showed interest in scheduling his own meetings and sat in his office doing God knows what for 9 hours a day.

It was difficult to grow and improve because he genuinely didn't even know what kind of feedback or advice to give.ย 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
I think recognition plays a big role on here! The numbers speak for themselves
Trinity
WR Officer
0
BusDev
I understand that a Sales Manager must be good at sales at the same time, not every top sales people is fit to manage people.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
๐ŸฆŠ
I don't think better, but they should be knowledgeable.
39
Members only

Do sales managers need to be better at selling than their sdrs/aes?

Question
51
Do sales managers need to be better at selling than their sdrs/aes?
49% Yes
51% No
198 people voted
11

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