In the business world, the role of a CEO extends beyond just leading the company. It involves taking responsibility for the sales environment, shaping the company culture, and setting the vision for the future. This is particularly important for small companies where the CEO may also be the primary salesperson or sales manager.
One of the critical responsibilities of a CEO in a sales environment is to address and resolve problems. When a client is dissatisfied, the CEO must apologize and take responsibility for the issue. This doesn’t mean placing blame but owning the problem and finding a solution. It is also essential to have a plan in place to prevent similar issues from recurring in the future.
In addition to problem-solving, a CEO plays a significant role in shaping the company’s culture. The company’s culture should reflect the core values that the CEO and the team believe in. These core values should guide the company’s actions and decisions. For example, suppose one of the company’s core values is extraordinary service. In that case, every team member, from the CEO to the junior account person, should strive to provide exceptional client service.
As a CEO, it is also important to be the company’s visionary. This includes setting goals and communicating these goals to the team. The vision should inspire and motivate the team to strive for excellence. It should also give a clear direction on where the company is headed and what it hopes to achieve.
In sales, a CEO should be involved in selling big deals. Large clients often want to engage with the CEO or owner of the company to feel assured that they have executive sponsorship at the highest level. While the CEO might not be involved in every deal, their presence can make a significant difference in closing large deals.
Finally, a CEO should also be the architect of the team. This involves deciding on the team structure and roles needed in the company. The CEO might not be involved in hiring every team member, but they should have a clear vision of what the team should look like and how it should function.
The role of a CEO in a sales environment is multifaceted. It involves problem-solving, shaping the company culture, setting the vision, selling big deals, and architecting the team. By fulfilling these roles effectively, a CEO can ensure the success of the company and its sales team.
Here are a few immediate steps a CEO can take today to enhance their role in a sales environment.
- Resolve a Current Client Issue: If there’s a disgruntled client, don’t wait. Reach out to them personally, apologize, and work closely with them to find a solution. Use this as an opportunity to refine your problem-solving process and prevent similar issues in the future.
- Revisit Your Company’s Core Values: Take time today to review your company’s core values. Do they still align with your vision? If not, it might be time for a revamp. If they do, ensure that every team member, from junior to senior level, understands and exemplifies these values in their daily work.
- Set and Communicate a New Goal: As a CEO, it’s crucial to continuously cast a vision for the company. Today, set a new, inspiring goal and communicate it clearly to your team. This will provide a clear direction and motivate your team to strive for excellence.
- Engage with a Large Client: If there’s a big deal in the pipeline, try to personally engage with the prospective client. Your presence can significantly influence decision-making and may be the key to closing the deal.
- Review Your Team Structure: Reflect on your current team structure and roles. Do they align with your vision? Do they meet the company’s needs? If not, start sketching your ideal team and the roles needed to achieve your goals.