Lead Lines

Do As I Do: Three ways to lead by example with meetings

Leadership is most effective when paired with integrity. Too many sales managers expect more of their employees than they do of themselves. In her bestmanagementarticles.com article “Lead by Example,” Colleen Stanley says weekly or monthly sales meetings must be run with the same standards and disciplines as sales calls. They must be:

1. On time. Managers must make it clear that all employees — including themselves — are expected to be in their seats and ready before the start time of the meeting.

2. Organized. “A well-planned meeting with an agenda ensures the sales call is beneficial for both the sales person and the prospect. The same theory applies to running effective sales meetings,” Stanley writes.

3. Conclusive. Just as sales calls should end with setting mutually agreed upon next steps of action, meetings should end with clear expectations of action items.

“An effective sales leader knows their sales team is watching,” says Stanley.

Do you make it a point to lead by example every day? In what way? What are some of your past struggles and triumphs? Please leave a comment!