Hi Ralph, I wanted to let you know that 6 months after my last coaching session with you I've really improved my standing at work, and it's very much down to the lessons and techniques that I learned in our sessions.
I've just had my annual appraisal and it couldn't have gone better. Using the VAK learnings and thinking about how and when I communicate with my boss she is now completely on side. She told me that my performance has been outstanding. And the General Manager of Europe (my boss' boss) declared publicly at the end-of-year company update that I'd excelled at achieving phenomenal growth with the key account business I am now handling. I grew the top line by +42% Year on Year, whereas the company's growth was +5%. I was then in Hong Kong in January having dinner with my European sales colleagues and sat next to the Global VP of Sales who told my European counterparts to make sure they spent time with me to tap into my knowledge and techniques while we were together to learn how they can drive business with my key account in their own markets. My key account client is now the third biggest customer for our company.
Word has got around the industry that I've been making great strides and I've been approached by 5 competitors since the beginning of the year to enquire if I'd jump ship to manage their business with my client. Almost on a daily basis my boss' boss and the Sales Directors in other EU locales request my counsel on business decisions and strategy involving my client.
Needless to say my confidence and motivation are soaring. I've been drawing more on my strengths that we identified, particularly the Relator aspect (I have developed great relationships with colleagues and customers) and Problem Solving aspect. I've also developed in the areas where I am not naturally strong, such as public speaking, since I went on an advanced presentation skill course.
I am happy to say that I'm still sticking to my healthy habits of getting good sleep, exercise most days and eating well. My aim last year was to strengthen my value and credibility in my team and I'm very pleased with what I've achieved in terms of growing my skill set, my confidence, my knowledge, and my productivity.
Thanks again for all the support on my journey to becoming a stronger Sales Manager.
