Employers Hub | Most important trait amongst your sales team

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    When it comes to the most important trait in salespeople, almost every sales manager I speak with puts accountability at the top of their list.

    This has been exacerbated by COVID-19, which allows sales teams to work remotely, away from management scrutiny. Am I hiring someone who will take responsibility for a problem or issue or someone who will avoid it? When no one is looking or keeping track, what kind of behaviour will we see?

    So, how do you find candidates with this skillset and how do you assess this in an interview?

    I want to get a sense of responsibility for the problems they’ve encountered as well as an acceptance of the fact that the world isn’t flawless. I’m looking for a mindset that says, “How I responded and controlled these challenges, not the situations themselves, define me.” Is there a sense of invulnerability or motivation to own an issue and take on the challenge?

    Accountability and grit go hand in hand, and they’re both partly innate and partly developed, like other attributes. For example, the candidate who started their own business or worked in a commission-only sales position early in their career stands out to me since there is clear accountability on paper. It denotes someone who thrives on a challenge and is forced to hold responsibility.

    On the other side, a candidate who has worked for a large vendor for ten years or more and has a long career may have become “institutionalised” and picked up negative behaviours over time. Of course, no assumptions should be made, but it’s critical to gain context and ask situational questions to learn about their reason for their own issues.

    In the modern sales environment, accountability for problem-solving, personal results, and owning a sales cycle sets your team up for success. 

     

    BUILD YOUR TEAM WITH ELITE INDUSTRY EXPERTS

    Benefit from Pulse Recruitment’s expertise in IT, sales, and marketing recruitment to secure the finest professionals in APAC and the US. Discover the difference and start your journey by submitting your job vacancy!

    FROM OUR PULSE NEWS, EMPLOYER AND JOB SEEKER HUBS

    Featured Articles

    Sales Positions with Fast Career Growth

    The tech industry is booming at an unprecedented rate, with a demand for skilled sales professionals who can bridge the gap between complex technology solutions and clients’ needs. As businesses strive to stay ahead, sales roles in tech have become integral, requiring professionals to not only understand the technology but also communicate its value effectively…

    Spotting High-Performing Sales Reps

    Hiring high-performing sales reps is essential for any organization aiming to boost its revenue, expand its client base, and strengthen its brand. However, identifying these top-tier salespeople can be challenging, especially when every candidate claims to have the right skills. High performers bring a blend of persistence, emotional intelligence, resilience, and a customer-first mindset. With…

    How To Hire Elite Tech Sales Teams

    In the competitive landscape of tech sales, assembling a high-performing team requires more than just a strong hiring strategy. It involves understanding the unique qualities that make tech sales professionals successful, creating a hiring process tailored to attract top talent, and investing in long-term success by aligning candidates with your company culture and goals. Hiring…

    The Pros & Cons of Sales Headhunters

    In today’s competitive job market, finding the right sales role can be a challenge, especially for those looking to advance or transition into specialized areas. Sales headhunters offer unique insights, access to exclusive job opportunities, and guidance throughout the hiring process. But are they the right choice for every job seeker? Understanding the advantages and…

    Essential Tips for Hiring Sales Staff

    Hiring sales staff is one of the most critical steps for any business aiming to drive revenue and expand market share. A great sales team not only helps bring in new clients but also fosters strong relationships with existing customers, driving long-term business success. However, finding and hiring the right sales talent can be challenging…

    In-Demand Tech Sales Roles for 2025

    As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the demand for skilled sales professionals in the tech industry is rapidly increasing. With new products, services, and innovations emerging daily, organizations require talented individuals who can effectively communicate value, drive sales, and establish strong customer relationships. For 2025, specific tech sales roles are projected to…

    Sales Positions with Fast Career Growth

    The sales profession offers one of the fastest career growth opportunities across industries. Whether you’re starting your sales journey or looking to transition to a new role, sales positions are well-known for their merit-based advancement. Success in sales often depends on skill, determination, and performance rather than the time you’ve spent in a role, which…

    Secrets to Successful Sales Recruitment

    Sales recruitment is one of the most critical functions for any business aiming to achieve sustained growth. The right sales team can propel your company to new heights, while the wrong hires can result in wasted time, money, and missed opportunities. Successful sales recruitment requires a well-thought-out strategy that goes beyond posting job ads and…

    How to Succeed in a Tech Sales Role

    The tech sales industry is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors in the global economy. With the rise of cloud computing, SaaS (Software as a Service), AI, and digital transformation across industries, the demand for tech sales professionals has skyrocketed. However, succeeding in a tech sales role requires more than just basic sales…

    Improve Your Sales Recruitment Process

    Hiring the right sales talent can be the difference between business growth and stagnation. In the competitive world of sales, finding skilled professionals who not only meet your company’s needs but can also drive results is essential. A robust sales recruitment process ensures you attract, assess, and onboard the best candidates to build a successful…