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10 Ways to Support Underperforming Sales Reps with Empathy & Emotional Intelligence

Writer's picture: Vincent BowryVincent Bowry

 

10 Ways to Support Underperforming Sales Reps with Empathy & Emotional Intelligence

The performance of sales reps is often the barometer of a company's health. It's the cog that sets the entire machine in motion, driving revenue and ultimately contributing to business growth. However, when this cog starts to falter, the entire operation can feel the impact. This is especially true when dealing with underperforming sales reps.


But don't worry, as every cloud has a silver lining.


With the right approach, understanding, and tools, these underperforming sales reps can be guided back onto the path of productivity. This article will explore the power of empathy and emotional intelligence in managing and motivating underperforming sales reps to turn the tides in their favor.


1. The Power of Empathy and Emotional Intelligence


The role of a sales rep often feels like walking a tightrope. Balancing the company's expectations and the dynamic demands of clients can be challenging. This is where the role of the sales manager becomes crucial. An effective sales manager is not just a taskmaster but an empathetic guide who understands the unique challenges faced by their team.


Empathy, paired with emotional intelligence, can be a game-changer in managing and boosting the performance of sales reps. Emotional intelligence, or EI, is defined as the ability to understand, use, and manage our own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and overcome challenges.


Studies have shown that EI is a key factor for success in business, including sales. Interestingly, unlike IQ, EI is not fixed and can be improved with learning, practice, and patience. This is good news for sales managers as they can actively cultivate EI within their team, thus improving their performance.


2. The EI Approach: Five Key Components


Emotional Intelligence can be broken down into five key components:

  • Self-Awareness: The ability to recognize and understand personal moods and emotions and their effect on others.

  • Self-Regulation: The ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods and the propensity to suspend judgment and think before acting.

  • Motivation: A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money or status and a propensity to pursue goals with energy and persistence.

  • Empathy: The ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people.

  • Social Skills: Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks.

These components can significantly influence the performance of sales reps when leveraged correctly.


3. Cultivating Empathy: The First Step towards Improvement


In order to support your sales reps effectively, it's important to approach the situation with empathy. Times of underperformance can lead to anxiety and worry in sales reps. Understanding their situation and offering solutions rather than judgment can go a long way in boosting their morale and performance.


Empathy becomes even more crucial in the current business landscape, which has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With mental health issues affecting a significant chunk of the workforce, it's essential for sales managers to approach the issue of underperformance with sensitivity and understanding.


4. Encouraging Self-Evaluation: The Key to Self-Improvement


Self-evaluation can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. Encouraging your sales reps to evaluate their performance regularly can lead to increased self-awareness and improvement. Regular meetings with sales reps can help them feel more comfortable and understand what is expected of them. This way, they can set clear and achievable goals for themselves.


5. Identifying the Root Cause: The Foundation of Effective Solutions


Once you have established a supportive and understanding environment, the next step is to identify the root cause of underperformance. There could be several reasons behind a sales rep's struggle, ranging from personal issues to lack of necessary skills. Identifying these causes can help in creating effective solutions tailored to each individual's needs.


6. Setting Clear Expectations: The Roadmap to Success


Once the root cause of underperformance has been identified, it's time to set clear expectations and create a roadmap to success. This involves setting achievable sales goals, offering incentives, and providing advice. With clear expectations and a supportive environment, sales reps can be empowered to overcome their struggles and achieve success.


7. Open Door Policy: The Catalyst for Open Communication


An open-door policy can be an effective way to encourage communication and provide guidance. Sales reps, whether they are thriving or struggling, can benefit from having the opportunity to discuss their challenges and seek guidance when needed. This not only helps in addressing issues promptly but also fosters a culture of openness and trust within the team.


8. Leveraging Emotional Intelligence in Sales Calls


Emotional intelligence can be leveraged effectively to improve the success rate of sales calls. By recognizing their own emotions and understanding their impact on prospects, sales reps can control interactions and their outcomes more effectively. This can involve noticing the prospect's responses to their emotions and adjusting their approach accordingly.


9. Harnessing the Power of Motivation


Motivation can fuel the energy and enthusiasm of sales reps. Understanding what drives your sales reps and aligning it with their work can help in sustaining this motivation. This involves looking at the bigger picture and finding meaning in the work they do.


10. Building and Maintaining Client Relationships


Building and maintaining client relationships is a crucial aspect of a sales rep's role. This requires the ability to notice the emotions of prospects and respond appropriately. By maintaining awareness of their relationships and how to sustain them, sales reps can build a robust client base.


You'll Get Them Back on Track!


With the right approach, underperforming sales reps can be steered back onto the path of productivity. By leveraging empathy and emotional intelligence, sales managers can create a supportive and understanding environment that fosters improvement. By encouraging self-evaluation, identifying the root causes of underperformance, setting clear expectations, and promoting open communication, sales reps can be empowered to overcome their struggles and achieve success.


Remember, every sales rep has the potential to succeed. It's about providing them with the right tools, guidance, and support to unleash this potential. As a sales manager, your role is not just to drive performance but to empower your team to achieve their best. With empathy and emotional intelligence, you can do just that.



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