Do you need sales experience to be a successful sales manager? If not, what skills or experience do you look for in potential sales managers?
Yes, need direct sales experience92%
No, direct sales experience is not required8%
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VP Sales Enablement in IT Services5 months ago
I suggest that the answer is a bit more nuanced. I think good sale managers (and some of the best) actually comes from other functions that are sales adjacent. Sales Enablement, Account Team Finance, or Strategy and Execution roles are all disciplines that are close enough to sales that they could be solid candidates. These types of candidates would also need to be quick studies who can demonstrate the ability to jump into new assignments and quickly learn how to perform. This transition is not an easy route, but the long-term benefits of having someone with a different skillset and diversity of thought in the sales management ranks can be quite beneficial for the leadership team.
It's hard to help somebody along if you don't understand the situation they're in.