The Danger of Pigpens on Your Sales Team

I was in church today when the pastor gave an illustration about Pigpen from Charlie Brown—the character who is always surrounded by a cloud of dust and dirt wherever he goes.

That image stuck with me because I realized there are Pigpens on every sales team—people who carry a cloud of drama, negativity, and turmoil with them at all times. Their presence creates unnecessary chaos, disrupts the team, and drains energy from those around them.

How to Recognize a Pigpen on Your Sales Team

Pigpens aren’t just bad performers. In fact, some of them may hit their numbers, but their attitude, behavior, and drama make them more of a liability than an asset. Here are some clear signs that someone is a Pigpen:

• They thrive on gossip and negativity. Every conversation turns into complaints about the company, leadership, or customers.
• They create constant drama. They seem to always be at the center of conflict, stirring up tension with co-workers and customers.
• They make excuses for everything. Whether it’s missing quota, losing a deal, or a failed project—it’s never their fault.
• They drain team morale. Instead of inspiring those around them, they bring everyone down with their bad attitude.
• They resist coaching and feedback. Instead of taking accountability and improving, they become defensive and blame others.

How Being a Pigpen Can Destroy Your Success

If you recognize yourself in any of the descriptions above, it’s time for a reality check. Being a Pigpen is a guaranteed way to sabotage your career in sales. Here’s why:

• Nobody wants to work with you. Your teammates avoid you, leadership loses trust in you, and customers pick up on your negativity.
• Opportunities dry up. You might hit short-term success, but long-term, people stop referring deals to you, and doors start closing.
• You limit your own growth. Instead of getting better, you stay stuck in the same patterns while others move forward.

The good news? You can change.

How to Stop Being a Pigpen

• Take ownership of your mindset. Shift from blame to accountability. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, focus on what you can control.
• Cut the negativity. Stop gossiping, complaining, and stirring up drama. Focus on solutions, not problems.
• Embrace feedback. Be coachable. Sales is about growth, and those who take feedback well are the ones who succeed.
• Elevate those around you. Encourage your teammates, celebrate wins, and bring a positive attitude to work every day.

What to Do as a Sales Leader When You Have a Pigpen on Your Team

As a leader, one of the worst mistakes you can make is tolerating a Pigpen. No matter how good their sales numbers are, their toxic behavior will cost you more in the long run. Here’s how to handle them:

1.??? Call it out early. Address negative behaviors before they become a bigger issue. Be direct but constructive.

2.??? Set clear expectations. Let them know exactly what needs to change and what behaviors won’t be tolerated.

3.??? Provide coaching. Some Pigpens can change with the right guidance. Give them a chance to improve, but don’t let it drag on forever.

4.??? Make the hard decision. If they refuse to change, remove them from the team. Their departure will lift the entire team's energy and productivity.

Final Thoughts

Pigpens don’t just hurt themselves—they hurt the entire sales team. Whether you recognize Pigpen tendencies in yourself or see them in others, the key is to take action. Either change your own behavior, or as a leader, remove the toxic influence before it spreads.

The best teams thrive on accountability, positivity, and results. Don't let a Pigpen hold your team back.