Your sales team is struggling with underperformance. How can you set realistic expectations?
Underperformance in sales can be a tough hurdle, but setting achievable goals can help turn things around. Here are some strategies:
What strategies have worked for your team?
Your sales team is struggling with underperformance. How can you set realistic expectations?
Underperformance in sales can be a tough hurdle, but setting achievable goals can help turn things around. Here are some strategies:
What strategies have worked for your team?
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When performance dips, it's ALL about dialling into what’s realistic AND motivating. Start by setting clear, achievable goals that challenge yet don’t overwhelm, ensuring everyone knows exactly what success looks like. Open up a discussion on obstacles, redefine short-term wins, and make the team feel supported EVERY step of the way!!
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Analyze current performance When I worked with a client whose team struggled with closing deals, we started by analyzing their existing performance gaps. Review individual metrics. Identify recurring challenges. Assess market conditions. And don't forget to Sell smart, close with confidence.
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Dealing with an underperforming sales team can feel like trying to herd cats in a rainstorm. But fear not, with the right approach, you can turn things around. Root Cause Analysis:Dig deep to understand the underlying issues. Is it a lack of training, motivation, or ineffective sales strategies? Data-Driven Insights:Use sales data to identify trends & patterns Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, &Time-bound:Ensure goals are clear, actionable, and realistic. Break it Down:Divide larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. One-on-One Meetings:Provide personalized feedback &coaching. Team Meetings:Discuss challenges, share best practices, & celebrate successes. Recognize Achievements:Celebrate small wins to boost morale.
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Setting realistic expectations for an underperforming sales team or rep is part of every sales leaders experience. I suggest: 1) Start with assessing current strengths and weaknesses with their salesmanship. Develop an action plan WITH the rep so there is buy in and accountability. 2) Regular check-ins: Schedule consistent meetings to review progress, coach, and adjust short term actions to achieve expectations 3) Provide ongoing support from you, other sellers or online training so you equip your team with the necessary knowledge with the actions for them to take to drive practical adoption. 4) Celebrate wins that drive sales or drive progression to the sale. Ensure the rep knows how to reproduce those results
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Setting realistic expectations for an underperforming sales team starts with clarity and collaboration. First, analyze current performance data to identify gaps and trends. Next, involve your team in goal-setting to ensure buy-in and create a sense of ownership. Break down larger targets into manageable milestones, emphasizing daily and weekly activities that build momentum. Provide tailored coaching and consistent feedback to address skill gaps, and celebrate small wins to boost morale. Finally, ensure alignment between expectations, resources, and market realities. Realistic expectations are achieved when goals challenge the team while being supported by actionable plans and ongoing support.
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1)Sales are motivated by clear targets, so setting specific, measurable goals can re-engage their competitive spirit. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep the momentum. 2)Use Positive Reinforcement and Recognition: Sales like upbeat environments, being the center of attention and need to feel valued. I would recomend regular check-ins to provide encouragement, acknowledge efforts, and celebrate their wins in public. 3) Make Room for Creativity: These profiles shy away from repetitive tasks and can lead to disengagement. Encourage them to bring fresh ideas to the table once in a while and be open to implementing them!
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In most scenarios, underperformance can be attributed to several reasons: 1) Lack of product knowledge 2) Mismatch with the target audience 3) Providing inadequate solutions or just beating around the bush 4) Not addressing past perceptions in the customer’s mind 5) No clear call objective 6) Inability to identify customer needs 7) Providing too much information, which bores the customer 8) Lack of intervention from senior managers to resolve underlying issues. If these things are taken care then i don't think any team will suffer from underperformance.
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Just like a marathon runner doesn't start with a full 26.2 miles, your sales team needs progressive targets. I structure this solution in 5 key points: - I start by breaking down monthly targets into weekly sprints - this makes the mountain look like manageable hills. - I implement a "3-2-1" method: 3 calls per day, 2 follow-ups, 1 close. - I celebrate small wins daily - think of it like filling a tip jar; every dollar counts. - I analyze past data to identify each rep's "golden hour" for peak performance. - I set individual quotas based on experience levels - like weight classes in boxing. This approach has gone viral in my training sessions because it's human-centric and immediately actionable.
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Focus on redefining "success." Shift the narrative from strict quotas to fostering a purpose-driven team. Begin by anchoring expectations in the unique strengths of your salespeople, encouraging them to co-create achievable goals tied to their personal growth and team synergy. Psychologically, this builds intrinsic motivation and reduces performance anxiety. Use "swinging anchors" to keep expectations flexible, adapting to market changes while maintaining a sense of control and collaboration. This creates a culture where challenges spark creativity instead of fear.
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