My first sales manager as
the "new kid" in sales was Ward Parsons. I'd been promoted from Sales
Support were I'd been a R.I.C. Retail Installation Coordinator to Account
Manager. I was very excited. After 11 months in the first position (Well over 80,000
miles and over 32 new or renovated stores completed) I was now in the position
I'd applied for initially. Bonus was I'd be having my sales training done by Trevor Hunt.
That was a first rate addition to my career.
Oh, I'd had been fortunate
to have several significant people up until this point help guide, direct and
assist me grow my professionalism. However Ward was the first one that was
there in a career position whose role was to ensure I grew my professional
skills. Wards work with me has had some career long positive
implications.
The Art of Questions
Ward was very good at
asking questions. Some to relax you, and some to help you settle in. Then he
used others to draw you out and learn more about your week, your hobbies, your
upcoming holiday and in one case a dessert he heard I very much enjoyed. Then as the timing fit he'd ease you into a position of asking the ones he had to get to that were work related.
He was very gifted at asking supportive questions.
So, Michael how can I or the folks at head office support you on this? So, he
acknowledged issues, gave me ownership over the issue and offered to be a
resource to assist fixing or improving the situation.
The biggest gift Ward
always offered up was that 100% of his attention was invested in a very non
threatening way so you knew his presence and concentration was there with you
at the table. Some would say he was practicing being mindful and in the
moment, others would say he paid attention. Regardless of what you call it to
this fellow (I was just 12 months fresh out of college) he was the right man
for the job!
My career time with him was short. Only about 22 months. Yet his impact is still going forward to this day. His inquiry style of questions, non threatening, often moderately paced made meetings with me ones to look forward to. He to use the current buzz word was first rate at engaging people and drawing them out.
So, how do you ask
questions? How do you listen once you've asked? What do you do to manage or get
rid of distractions with coworkers, family or neighbours? Ward was so
good at it that long before it was popular I started calling him Coach. I
hope for your sake that you have at least one person in your life like Ward and
in time we have more of what he always offered. Being in the moment and being engaged with those we spend time with.
So, until next time
Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.
Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, teams
organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.
Hiring and Contacting Michael
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