Guff and Glib: 16 years in 21 days: Day #5

Sales Manager: What does it read vs What does it mean

1. When speaking with a Sales Manager on target strategy

What you hear: "It's both an art and a science"

What they mean: I have no bloody clue how we hit our numbers.

2. When reviewing sales projections for the next year

What you hear: "We need to be more strategic"

What they mean: I'm recycling last year's PowerPoint and sales projection; hoping no one notices.

3. When the sales executive shares customer feedback on overpriced products

What you hear: "Aakash, we are building a high-performance culture here.."

What they mean: Criticizing the pricing strategy that got me on the CEO's invite-only drinkers club? I'm going to micromanage you until you quit..

4. When the sales manager is about to conclude the pep talk

What you hear: "We are all in this together"

What they mean: I will blame you for losses and I'll take credit for your wins.

5. When the sales manager is about to lie

What you hear: "The numbers don't lie"

What they mean: I would never lie on the numbers except when I am presenting to the board.