As managers we often get the job of delivering bad news. We have the responsibility of standing in front of the team as a leader. We play the numbers game constantly, running between upper management and our team to keep everyone satisfied. When the numbers are down, it gets stressful.
Heading into a team meeting and saying:
“What’s going on here? Why are all these numbers down? What are each of you doing each day?”
So many times in business we like to play the blame game, quick to point fingers instead of resolving the issues.
As managers it is important to re-pack the problem. Transform the negative numbers into a challenge. Create a new mindset.
Create a new mindset by asking purposeful questions that ignite your team. Give them the power to transform the situation.
Here are some purposeful questions to help you:
- The challenge before us is to close more deals before the end of the month. How can we get more movement in our pipeline? What strategies can we use?
- Each of you analyze your current pipelines – prospects, in the sales process, and current customers. Can you come up with a list of those who you could create more urgency for?
- How can we help speed up the decision making process for potential buyers?
- How can we utilize networking events in the next few weeks?
- Are there ways to increase high-payoff activities and decrease low-payoff activities?
Let your team become problem solvers instead of you giving orders. If they brain storm an idea that they are excited about, give them the power to explore and execute that idea. This process transforms their mindset. Now instead of feeling defeated because numbers are down, they are rising to the challenge and attacking it! The chance of success is greater with this approach.
Leading is not having all the answers. Leading is guiding, motivating, and creating opportunities for success!
Transform your team with a new mindset today!