“My boss got fired and I have a new sales manager starting next week. Should I start updating my resume?” – Stacie J.
My first reaction is don’t panic and don’t start looking for another job right away. As usual, I do have some qualifying questions: Are you over quota? Did you make quota last year? Why was your manager fired? Is the new sales manager internal or external? How long was the previous manager in the position? How long have you have been at the company? Were you a candidate for the management position? Are you 100% commission? Are you in a growth industry?
First and foremost, if you are above quota or if you were above quota last year, I strongly recommend that you don’t look for a job and focus on working hard to make a positive impression with your new sales manager. The best way to get off to good start with your manager is to continue make to quota.
As a matter of fact, no matter what your answers are above, work with your new manager and help him/her in their transition to the new position. With change their is opportunity. My advice is to be open to new ideas and learning from your new manager. Don’t be locked into this is the way we have always done it.
Also, consider how long you have been with your company, if you have invested over 3 years in your company, be wary of quickly jumping ship and rebuilding at a new company.
Back-up plan, I would not make it a focus but after a couple of months if it isn’t working out, I would update your resume and start sending out soft inquires to your external network. If after six months to a year, it still isn’t working out, I would look for opporuntities both internally and externally.
Back-up plan, I would not make it a focus but after a couple of months if it isn’t working out, I would update your resume and start sending out soft inquires to your external network. If after six months to a year, it still isn’t working out, I would look for opporuntities both internally and externally.
Either way I recommend a great book on career change, ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ by Spencer Johnson. Spencer talks about how change is inevitable and don’t get locked into the old way of doing / thinking and be flexible. Lastly, be prepared to put in additional hours in the beginning of his/her tenure.
Good working with your new manager. Reader Feedback, please click the ‘comments’ below to give ‘Stacie’ feedback on her question. Shaun Priest aka CloserQ. Have fantastic day
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