Do you go home at the end of the workday and feel overwhelmed?
Do you look at your to-do list and see that you didn’t get any of your items taken care of?
Do you now not only have your to-do list but your sellers added some to it?
If the answer is yes, then you are not managing your monkey’s.
This isn’t politically incorrect – these monkey’s are the ones that you take on your back by your choice. You agreed to do something for someone else.
It can be as simple as making a phone call, looking up some information, talking to a person on someone’s behalf – and the list goes on.
You may think you’re being a great manager and leader but you’re not if you have all these monkey’s.
Besides, what message are you inadvertently sending to your sales team by being the big fixer upper and decision maker?
If you’re taking on all these monkey’s you’re sending messages that others can’t do it, you’re the only perfect one, or you are a push over.
That’s not the message high achievers and valued employees want to receive from their boss.
So, how do you release these monkeys? Simple – stop taking them on.
The next time you’re with any one of your seller’s – hold your tongue from offering to do it for them. That’s truly not helpful. Empower them.
You only need a question!
- How do you want to proceed?
- What do you recommend?
- What are two options for us to discuss?
- What do you think is the best course of action?
Any question that allows the seller to think and problem solve is the right question.
Your sellers may be surprised at first – and not know how to react or respond because this isn’t your normal way. Still, stick to your original plan – ask a question and keep your mouth closed. Allow the person time to adjust that they’ve been asked to think and solve the issue.
Let them keep the monkey.
Keep doing this and over time everyone will get the drill and come to you with the solution for approval or consideration – and you’ll be getting your to-do list done and more!
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