A short post this week, but with a
heartfelt message, thank you. I would like to take this opportunity, with
Thanksgiving a few days away, to thank my colleagues. Being in a leadership
position is not always as easy as one might think, especially connected to sales.
2017, for me, will end in a very different place than I had planned.
When this year began I was surrounded by
a group of sales professionals that were on a path toward unmatched success.
Collectively we had worked tirelessly on business planning, client reviews,
contract revamps, etc. The end goal was to make 2017 the most successful we’ve
had as a team. But, even the best laid plans can change, and so goes the course
of our sales goals.
Midway through the year several of the
key members of the sales team left the organization. The launchpad for this
change was based on the sales team leader moving overseas for a new
opportunity. Shortly after his announcement and departure, others felt they
could not go it alone without his guidance, and thus we took a large step back
as an organization.
My colleagues and partners rose to the
occasion. Management team members that were not typically involved in sales
began to write portions of proposals and go on sales meetings. Referrals were
abundant from friends of mine and of the business for new sales people.
Ultimately, we hired a new sales team lead and I am thankful for Joe.
As I reflect on this very crazy year,
one full of unexpected change, I am thankful for those that were by my side day
in and day out. For it is because of these team members that I did not have to “go
it alone” and manage the entire change process. Because of them we will hit our
slightly revised annual business goals. Because of them we are setting
ourselves up for a tremendous 2018. And, because of them, I believe I am a
stronger leader today than I was on January 1.
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.