What is The Corner Office Club?

Stepping into the sales leader role often feels like navigating without a map.

The expectation? Steer your team to success, innovate, and inspire.

Here's the truth: There is no official class or playbook that exists for becoming a successful sales leader. You're expected to "know."

That's where "The Corner Office Club" comes in.

Designed for those seeking their "corner office," this newsletter is your weekly navigation aid through the world of sales leadership. Each edition will dissect one crucial topic, offer actionable steps for immediate impact, and provide resources for continuous growth.

Let's unlock the door to your corner office together.

Types of Sales Leaders

Understanding your leadership style is crucial in navigating the dynamic world of sales, but recognizing that adaptability can enhance your effectiveness is equally important.

Adapting Your Leadership Style

• Scenario Analysis: Evaluate the situation at hand. Is your team facing a motivational dip, or is there a need to ramp up productivity? Perhaps, innovation has stalled, or client relationships need strengthening.

• Style Adaptation: Match your leadership approach to the scenario.

  • Facing low morale? Adopt the Charismatic style to uplift and develop your team.

  • Need to hit ambitious targets? The Executor approach can drive focus and efficiency.

  • Looking to break into new markets? A Challenger mindset might inspire innovative strategies.

Stick to What Makes You "You"

• Unchanging Core: While your leadership style may shift to meet different needs, your core values — such as integrity, empathy, and resilience — should remain constant no matter what happens. This will make you unique as a good leader.

• Leveraging Strengths: Identify the aspects of leadership where you naturally excel. Are you particularly good at envisioning future trends (Visionary), or do you thrive in one-on-one development conversations (Coach)? Use these strengths as your base; changing your approach without losing “you” makes you an effective leader.

Feel free to use humor or personal interests as part of your communication. No need to be so serious.

Weekly Action Items

• Reflect on Your Leadership Moments: Think back to various challenges and successes. Which leadership styles have you naturally adopted? How have your core values guided these choices?

• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your team and peers on your leadership style and its impact. This will provide insights into your versatility and areas for growth.

• Plan for Development: Choose one leadership style that feels less natural but could benefit you in upcoming scenarios. Outline specific steps to develop skills associated with that style, such as reading relevant resources, seeking mentorship, or practical application in low-stakes settings.

Resource of the Week

"Leadership That Gets Results" by Daniel Goleman

This easy read from Harvard Business Review talks about six ways to lead, how they make everyone feel, and how they help your team do well. It’s a great guide for learning when and how to switch up your style while keeping true to yourself.

From my corner office,

Jeff