Bending A Sales Team’s Performance Curve to Greater Profits

Bending A Sales Team’s Performance Curve to Greater Profits

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INSIGHTS

Everyone is eagerly looking for the end of the pandemic and for the business environment to return to a more normal state. For Sales Managers and Dealers, the faster they can get their sales organization to true full productivity, the quicker the company can recover from any damage or profit drain that COVID 19 created.

Managers typically try several approaches to increase a sales team or even an entire sales organization’s productivity. One approach is to double down on training in the hopes that it will improve skills and will result in an increase in the percentage of prospects being closed. Another approach focuses on prospecting and building the pipeline by setting higher activity targets and enforcing compliance. The third approach is two try to motivate or implore salespeople to sell more.

Each approach can have a positive effect; however, each has significant limitations. Simply attending training does not naturally improve a salesperson’s selling skills and ability to close sales. Setting higher activity targets and increasing accountability to reach those targets can even have a negative effect by causing resentment and even demotivation if not achieved. Simply imploring salespeople to sell more assumes they were not trying their best to generate their income and personal success. A better way to increase performance is to use a tailored strategy tailored to the individual’s performance level.

Performance Levels

Let’s look at a very effective approach to improve a sales team significantly by applying three different strategies based on the individual’s level of performance. Most organizations consist of these three groups, which are bottom performers, middle performers, and top performers. Typically, sales organizations have approximately 25% of the salespeople that are top performers who are doing great. Also, there are typically 25% of the salespeople are bottom performers and are struggling. The remaining 50% in the middle are consistent performers but are constantly striving to improve. The proportions of these three groups in your sales team may vary, but these strategies still apply.

Management Focus

First, examine your team and determine who are the true top performers and bottom performers. Each level requires and responds best to different strategies. Many managers focus their time on the top performers because working with them feels good, and they enjoy the thrill of closing sales.  While other managers concentrate more of their time on the bottom performers out of an obligation to try and resolve their performance problems. The middle-level performers may receive less attention and performance coaching because their sales calls may not be exciting, and their performance meets expectations. 

Bottom Performer Strategies

Let’s examine the distinct strategies for each level of performance. For example, in a sales team of 12, there could probably have 25% or three salespeople who would be bottom performers. First, determine the reason for their performance level.  The typical cause is either a lack of training and development or a lack of “job fit” to the position.  If it is training and development, devise a development plan that addresses deficiencies and enables them to develop their sales competency in order to be successful.  If they have been fully trained but still do not have the level of sales competency needed, then it appears they do not have the necessary attributes to be successful.  If the person doesn’t have the necessary attributes or “job fit” to the position, there is no option but to replace the individual with someone who has a high level of job fit that matches the attributes of your top performers. 

Job Fit Now

Remember, as the requirements to be successful have changed, a person who was successful in the past may not “fit the job” as it is to be done now, especially in a post COVID world. For example, a person may have been a relatively competent account “farmer” but may not have the capability to be a “hunter” to gain the needed new business needed now

If you are planning to replace less successful salespeople, it is very important that you replace them with individuals that have the capability to be true top performers. To do that is, it is necessary to have a very clear definition of the attributes required, as evidenced and defined by the true top performers. In order to accurately measure these attributes in candidates you are considering, you must have a current Benchmark or Success Pattern that can measure and define the true performance potential of a candidate compared to current performers. The relative range or level of attributes of your top performers attributes, such as cognitive ability, competitiveness, drive, manageability, assertiveness, attitude, accommodation, independence, decisiveness, and even what motivates them, enables a very accurate measurement of the candidate’s success capability.  Determining what is required for success in a specific sales position is a valuable activity that will pay great dividends as you move forward in future hiring.

Middle Performer Strategies

For the middle performers, use a focused coaching approach to help the person identify Sales Skills and Sales Behaviors, if improved, will boost performance. Once done and actively guide them in the development of those areas. Begin by with a careful examination of each salesperson’s Sales Competency and determine their level in each. Sales competencies consist of not just knowledge and skills but, very importantly, their application in activities and actions.

Through our experience and research, we have found that there are seven primary Sales Competencies for business technology sales.  These competencies are Sales Approach, Sales Knowledge, Identifying Prospects, Developing Prospects, Securing the Sale, Professionalism and Sales Effectiveness. These competencies consist of 15 specific Sales Skills, measured by the degree or application frequency of the 65 different Sales Behaviors. Sales Behaviors enable the accurate measurement of a person’s Sales Skills and ultimately Sales Competency, which determines their level of performance.

Very importantly, the ability to observe the salesperson and accurately how often and how well he or she demonstrates the   65 Sales Behaviors enables a Manager to identify the individual’s specific development needs.

We have found that if both the salesperson and manager independently evaluate their perceptions of the Sales Behaviors and compare their perceptions, it forms a solid foundation of understanding and creates motivation for positive change. The analysis and feedback from the manager are the basis of a mutually agreed-upon development plan.

Later the same process can even measure the level of improvement resulting from the development.   Using an objective and focused development approach makes the Sales Manager’s job of coaching much easier and significantly improves the probability of middle performers to increase their performance. Imagine the impact if each of the middle group, about 50% of salespeople, improved their Competency and increased their effectiveness in gaining new business and growing current accounts. What would it do for the sales team’s overall results if this middle performer group could improve 5%, 10%, or 15% more in sales performance?

Top Performer Strategies

Research has proven that low performance drags down the performance of others. Suppose the bottom performers are either replaced with individuals with a high level of Job Fit or developed into middle performers by increasing their Sales Competency and the middle performers increase their performance,  the natural result will be there will be an improvement by top performers. Even top athletes like to compete against skilled competition because it invariably raises their game to a higher level. Raising the level of performance of both bottom and middle-performance groups raises the standard of excellence. It will motivate top performers to do even better to stay ahead of the group.

Strategy Implementation

To Implement this strategy, First, develop an accurate Benchmark or Success Pattern for each sales position by defining and measuring the degree of level of the attributes. They include cognitive ability, behavior, and even interest of top performers in today’s selling environment. This accurate measurement of what is required can allow you to assess not just new sales candidates but also existing staff accurately. This assessment information is invaluable in coaching current salespeople to develop their behavior to more closely match that of top performers.

Second, replace those who do not fit the position, as it must be done today, and will not be successful despite ample training and coaching. Be careful not to trade a bottom performer for someone who cannot do any better. It may take many candidates to find one who can not just be a middle performer but can be a top performer.

Third, conduct an objective evaluation by both the salesperson and the Sales Manager of each person’s sales competency. Use that information to create awareness of the need for improvement and help build a Development Plan to focus both the salesperson and sales manager’s effort consistently. Create a culture of consistently observing salespeople making sales calls( not just selling for them), prospecting, interacting with others, and even how they approach handling problems. This targeted development approach focused on consistently observing and coaching to improve the 65 Sales Behaviors that will pay great dividends.

The change in both an individual’s and sales team’s Sales Competency, Sales Skills, and Sales Behaviors can be accurately measured and even the improvement compared to the revenue or profit to determine ROI of the assessment tools used and effort expended.  If you would like a report that defines the 15 Sales Skills that make up the 7 Sales Competencies along with a more detailed explanation of how to apply these strategies to improve your sales team performance- email [email protected]  with “Measuring and Improving Business Technology Sales Competency” in the subject line.

Summary

There is no more critical time than during change for a manager to focus on assisting salespeople to improve.  Having every sales position filled with those who can be successful now and in the future is essential.  Ensuring each salesperson has a high level of Job fit is essential for the effort you expend in developing their Sales Competency to pay dividends. The better you implement these strategies the better you will be able to capitalize on an improving business climate. As the economy improves, ensure your sales organization is staffed and has the level of sales competency to take advantage of it to the fullest.

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The Missing Key To Better Policing

The Missing Key To Better Policing

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The Missing Key To Better Policing

Today we hear many people focusing on police practices and accountability. Many have pointed to these two factors as the primary cause for the situations or problems receiving publicity. In some cases, it has generated calls for “Police Reform” and even “Defunding the Police.” 

Changing the approved police practices increased training, and better accountability are important aspects but are not sufficient for real, long-term change.  It is important not just for the police departments we have seen in the news but for all to look for ways to provide better policing for the citizens they serve.

Keys To Improvement 

There are four keys to better policing. These keys are 1) Practices, 2) Training, 3) Accountability, and 4) Selection.

Obviously, instituting improved practices and having officers trained to carry them out is important. As with any position of responsibility, there must be accountability to follow procedures. However, many times problems still occur despite the best efforts because an officer does not follow approved practices; despite being well trained and even knowing they will be held accountable for their actions. In the heat of the moment, an act or reaction can occur despite proper procedures, training, and accountability. 

The fourth key to better policing is selecting officers with the attitudes, values, beliefs, and a lack of biases  that are consistent with those who follow policies and are an asset to the community they serve.

Selection’s Role in Reducing Liability

Better selection will enable the hiring of officers to replace those who leave or fill current open positions with individuals who do not have the impulses or responses that are under pressure that create liability for the citizens they serve, the department, and the municipality. Additionally, better selection of those hired to become police officers makes training and accountability to follow improved procedures easier. 

Turnover and Open Positions

Police turnover rates are reported as high as 20-25% in many cities. Due to the shortage of sworn officers in many cities, many departments have reduced the type of crimes they respond to in-person.  They even request less serious crimes be reported using the police website. While not all municipalities have high turnover rates, most still have a significant number of open positions to fill.  The better selection of police officers is a key factor in changing or improving culture and reducing incidents that cause a liability to the community and the police department.

Typical Selection Process

According to the International Association of Police Chiefs, the typical hiring process in a police department consist of 8 steps. These steps are 1) basic application and prescreening questionnaire, 2) written exam or entrance test, 3) physical fitness/ability test, 4) background investigation, 5) drug testing/medical exam, 6) polygraph, 7) oral board, and 8) psychological evaluation. Much of the process has become highly structured and focused on past actions.

Interviewing Focus

Those involved in the selection process are experienced police officers who naturally focus on past behavior and have been trained to uncover “the what” rather than “the why.” But, unfortunately, sometimes a candidate’s behavior, values, and attitudes that cause future problems are missed.  Even the process of using the same set of questions in the oral board and its highly structured approach makes it easier for red flags or concerns not to be fully explored. The red flags can identify the potential for future problem behaviors. 

Uncovering Misconduct

Usually, the last step of the process after a conditional offer of employment has been given, the candidate takes one or usually two psychological assessments and meets with a psychologist. The most commonly used assessment is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), a clinical assessment tool used by mental health professionals to help diagnose mental health disorders. However, this assessment or any used to diagnose mental disorders, due to the Americans With Disabilities Act requirements, cannot be used until after an actual conditional offer of employment has been given. As a result, this critical assessment occurs at the end of the hiring process.  

The psychologist provides recommendations of one of three levels which can be characterized as “Acceptable to Hire,” “Not Acceptable to Hire,” and “Acceptable With Concerns or Reservations.” It appears the “Not Acceptable to Hire” recommendation is very infrequent. The high number of  “Acceptable to Hire” reports could be for two reasons.  One reason would be because the assessments used are designed to measure overall mental health rather than the attitudes, values, and beliefs that lead to acts of misconduct and liability. Some feel another reason could be that the psychologist believes that the police department’s selection process does a good job screening out those who would exhibit future problem behavior and may not be as diligent as needed.

Sourcing of Candidates

In reviewing the sourcing of a number of police departments, it appears they rely on traditional sourcing techniques such as applying at the organization’s website, online job boards, and on-campus recruiting. The number of positions that need to be filled and more selectivity in the selection process will mean the average department will require significantly higher applicant flow than in the past. Employing state of the art sourcing such as social media, image building, pro-active community assistance, and even artificial intelligence tools may be required. 

Many departments handle sourcing and selecting officers in-house rather than relying on human resources because police job requirements are so unique. In many departments, a group of officers does the sourcing and selecting as an additional duty or part-time role.  Using yesterday’s approaches and strategies will not meet today’s needs.

Conclusion

The police department are doing their best to hire quality candidates who will become a credit to the department and serve the community. However, the typical hiring process, as it evolved, has and is failing to sufficiently identify or predict officer misconduct and acts of excessive force. There is an immediate need to improve the selection process and the selection tools used in that process.  It is paramount that police departments be more effective in screening out those who have tendencies for violence and misconduct and screening in those who have the behavior and interest to be long-term positive members of the police force.

 

Background

At Outlaw Group, we have over 30 years of experience in assisting organizations to hire, reward, and keep top performers. For the past year, we have been researching the challenges faced by police departments in selecting and hiring police officers, especially the entry-level patrol officer position. 

To help address this problem, we have been adapting proven selection strategies and systems to meet the challenging issue of staffing a police department with officers who can succeed in today’s demanding climate. For the last seven months, we have worked closely with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, on a pro-bono basis, applying the strategies and systems we developed, especially in terms of screening out applicants who are likely to engage in acts of misconduct. We also focused on the ability to screen in the applicants who have the attributes to develop a long-term, positive relationship with the community.   

 By Wayne Outlaw, Certified Management Consultant

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Partial List Of Sources 

Personal Interviews With Those Officers Responsible For Hiring Law Enforcement Officers

Consulted: Personality Assessment In Police: A 2021 Century Perspective by Peter A. Weiss, Ph.D.

Hiring For The 21st Law Enforcement Officer: Challenges, Opportunities And Strategies For Success-Police Executive Forum. CommunityOriented Policing Services- US Dept of Justice  

Best Practices Guide: Recruitment, Retention, And Turnover Of Law Enforcement Personnel- Bureau of Justice Assistance. US Department of Justice.

Why Psychological Screening Of Police Candidates Is Necessary: The History And Rationale by J Janik. Abstract. Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

Cities Spend Millions On Policeman Misconduct Every Year. Here’s Why It’s So Difficult To Hold Departments Accountable. By Amelia Thompson-DeVenux, Laura Bronner and Danini Sharma published there Feb 22, 2021, on www.FiveThirtyEight.com.

Ex-Officer Accused Of Killing Of George Floyd Also Charged With Tax Crimes by Holly Bailey, The Washington Post, February 22,2020.

America Reckons With Racial Injustice Series. Police Settlements: How the Cost Of Misconduct Impacts Cities And Tax Payers. Cheryl Crowley. National Public Radio Newsletter.

The Workforce Crisis And What Police Agencies Are Doing About It, September 2019, Police Executive Research Forum

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