About 10 – 12 years ago I heard a friend of mine, Jordan, deliver a speech on the topic of Quality Parenting Time. Jordan covered the concept of parents not being able to spend much time with their kids and making the statement that they spend “quality time” with them. I have to admit that I was disappointed with his opening because I thought I was about to hear the same old stuff: turn off the TV, let them know you’re listening, etc. However, he completely flipped his tone and made this bold statement: parenting is about “quantity time”, not “quality time”. You’ve got to spend time with your kids – just being there as much as possible is imperative.
As I work with sales managers throughout the week, I hear the Jordan’s voice as clearly as if the speech was delivered yesterday. The number one improvement most sales managers need to make is to get in the field with their sales team. I know, I know – you’re slammed with every other issue on the planet. (That previous statement is not meant to be sarcasm … I know that you’re wearing several hats.) While your sales people probably are not requesting that you ride with them, every other request is fighting for your time. I know … I’ve been there and I see it every day – especially with integration companies. However, if you’re not riding with and managing your sales people in the field, you’re not managing your sales people. Print this statement and post it on your office wall – it’s that important.
How? Visit our blog next Tuesday the 19th and I’ll share an idea.
