Sales Leaders Act—They Don't React!

Great sales leadership isn’t about dictating outcomes; it’s about guiding change through collaboration. As sales leaders, we often encounter resistance when introducing new strategies. What sets proactive leaders apart is their ability to navigate these situations with empathy, curiosity, and clarity.

Let’s consider the following story:

Leading with Clarity and Curiosity

“Andrew, I want to understand why you haven’t implemented the new prospect contact plan,” Mary began during their weekly check-in.

Andrew hesitated. “Well, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that—”

Mary raised her hand. “Time out. My goal is for every salesperson to follow the new plan. From what I’ve observed, most have adopted it, but you haven’t. Is that fair to say?”

Andrew nodded. “Yes, that’s true, but I can explain—”

Again, Mary paused him. “In my experience, when someone resists change, it usually comes down to one of two reasons: they either don’t believe the approach will work, or they’re unwilling to change. Which one applies to you? Or is there another reason I might be missing?”

Andrew sat in silence, staring at the wall. Finally, he responded. “Honestly? I just don’t think it will work.”

Digging Deeper

Mary acknowledged his honesty. “I appreciate that. When you say it won’t work, do you mean for you specifically, or for everyone?”

Andrew thought for a moment. “For me. The others seem to be getting results.”

“And by ‘getting results,’ you mean?” Mary prompted.

“They’re setting more initial appointments than before.”

Mary nodded. “That’s what I’m seeing too. Now, Andrew, I have to ask—don’t you want more appointments?”

“Of course.”

“So, what’s stopping you?”

Andrew hesitated. “Honestly? The new script just doesn’t feel like me.”

Mary remained patient. “When you say ‘it’s not me,’ do you mean you need to feel completely comfortable with a new approach before trying it?”

Andrew paused, considering her words. “I see what you’re getting at—about stepping outside my comfort zone. Beth said the same thing, and now she has five appointments. So… I take your point. Maybe it’s worth a shot.”

“And when you say ‘shot,’ what do you mean?” Mary asked with a smile.

Andrew grinned. “I’ll fully commit to trying it all day today. And I’ll let you know how it goes before I leave.”

The Power of Active Leadership

Mary’s approach transformed the conversation. Instead of reacting defensively, she remained proactive, guiding Andrew to his own conclusion. By presenting clear choices and seeking clarification, she avoided conflict and helped Andrew address his real concern—his discomfort with the script.

Had Mary been reactive, the discussion might have led to frustration and resistance. Instead, her patience and strategic questioning uncovered the root cause, allowing her to manage the issue effectively.

Key Takeaways for Sales Leaders:

• Control the conversation with clear choices. Use the salesperson’s own words and ask for clarification—without lecturing.

• Ask three to four clarifying questions. This often reveals the true barrier to change.

• Proactive leadership prevents unnecessary struggles. Taking the initiative helps address pain points directly rather than managing the consequences of inaction.

Act—don’t react. Great leaders take the lead, ask the right questions, and create an environment where change becomes a natural progression rather than a battle.

Take the Next Step as a Sales Leader

Being a proactive sales leader isn’t just about managing resistance; it’s about providing the right opportunities for your team to grow and succeed. One way to foster that growth is by experiencing a high-impact sales training session firsthand.

Sandler offers a unique opportunity to Crash a Class—an exclusive chance to see professional sales training in action. Gain insights, observe top sales methodologies in practice, and learn how to implement proven strategies within your team.