Words of wisdom requested

[off_again]

Mmm, small problem at my work. My boss was fired last night. Several emergency conference calls to senior management last night means that I am to take over his role in the meantime until they get a replacement.

Realistically its going to take 3-6 months to get someone so it looks like I have a temporary promotion. The thing is, I am very worried. I work for a European company who has a satellite office here (7 people), and its very sales focused.

Any pearls of wisdom that anyone can share with me to get me through this period? Worried that I will screw things up find myself out on my ear.....

[cotty]

You were not hired to do your bosses job so they should give you a bit of slack.

They probably asked you to fill in because they have confidence in your abilities. If they have confidence in you why not have a little in yourself. Have a go you never know they might be impressed enough to offer you the job permanently

[minimax]

off_again said:

Worried that I will screw things up find myself out on my ear.....

ah. I was considering 'don't fuck up' but it seems you've already covered that base.






personally? I would speak to the senior management and tell them you'd like to do the job really well because you're that sort of chap, and see what help they can offer

[TeamD]

Too right! You've just been landed a great opportunity, what you do with it is up to you.

Go for it!

[timmy30]

off_again said:

I work for a European company who has a satellite office here (7 people), and its very sales focused.

First things first, take the sales team out for lunch or better still a beer, make sure they're all happy, the last thing you need is to loose salespeople or clients so if I were you I'd be making very sure that you sales guys are motivated to help you succeed, them wanting to work for/with you is going to be vital.

[off_again]

I would love to have the job to be honest. Its MUCH more money and takes me to the place I want to be. But the reason why they got rid my current boss (and the chap who recruited me!) was that he isnt a sales manager - and neither am I. Would be nice to think that I would be good in the role, and I would. But I aint no sales manager and I dont have much in my past career along these lines.

I hope I will I do a good job, but if I set myself for it then I run the risk of getting sacked if I screw up. Since I havent ever been sacked, I dont want to start now.

Its flippin' people management too - god I hate people!

[ErnestM]

Sales you say? Please review the film Gengarry Glen Ross. Since you will be the boss, pay particular attention to Alec Baldwin. Learn to say things like:

"These are the new leads. These are the Glengarry leads. To you, these are gold; you do not get these. Because to give them to you would be throwing them away."

and

"We're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody want to see second prize? Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired."

Happy to help!


ErnestM