THE JOURNEY:

In 2002, I worked as a sales agent depending solely on commision. It was a tough time. Sometimes, it was even demoralizing. You have to decide whether you let the experience bring out the best in you or quit and be a loser. I took the challenge, four months after being an agent I was promoted as a team lead and six months after I got the offer to put up my own agency. Among my batch, I was the first one who received such commendation.

I remember how I felt seating at the executive chair that's so much bigger than I am. I'm not going to pretend that I was not proud of myself because I was. However, I felt that I was not enough for the position. I felt insignificant.

I buried myself with words from Zig Ziglar, Dale Carnegie, Henry David Thoreau, John Maxwell, Og Mandino and the likes. Yeah right, a hell lot of reading. They inspired me, that's sure but when it comes to real life action, you need this:

Experience - I was once in the shoe of my people. I was a sales agent. I knew exactly how they felt in times of defeat and triumph. When they're about to give up, I know how to make them hang on just a little more, because I have been there, too. Nothing beats experience. You can have all the masterals degree you want but if you don't have the physical experience, you miss the point.

CRISTINA ELLE (My Boss):

"Sheila, it doesn't happen overnight. Being a manager is a process and you will never stop learning."

Coach - teaching your people and supervising them is exactly the reason why you are seating in your position. Bring out the best in your people.

LESSON I LEARNED:

You know you're a good coach when you see your people performing well. Although it hurts, sometimes they're even better than you, when you were a sales agent.

Motivator - a famous quote in sales is, "You're only as good as your last performance." It's a trashy quote at times because let's face it, a normal human being falls short. So the motivator comes in. Saying the right words at the right moment, may just be the right food for the soul. Sales Director slash Guidance Councelor.

ZIG ZIGLAR (Motivational Speaker):

Motivation is the fuel, necessary to keep the human engine running

People Skills - to be a good leader you have to be good at working with people, connecting fast even with your bosses. It comes more than just a simple "how are you" when meeting people. Spark creativity, build rapport and remember to point out whats good in them and work from there.

In Simon Cowell words, "the likeability factor." And other's say, it's called, "Charisma."

LESSONS I LEARNED:

Possitivity is a magnet. You cannot please everybody but you can be truthful with yourself and towards others.

Multi-tasker - In sales, you have to be able to handle pressure. You have paperworks, you have quota, you have your own goals and different issues with your people. You train, coach, motivate, lead and think of different ideas to hit the sales target.

JOKE:

Multi-tasking is the art of screwing things up simultaneously.

Goal Oriented - you've got to have that vision for without it you will be tossed by the wind. Your people must know where you are headed so they can follow your lead.

ROBERT HOLMGREN (Swedish friend):

You have to reach for the stars 'coz if you miss you'll hit the eagle.

Communication Skills - this is a must in any given field unless you are a computer programmer. In sales, most of the time, you are selling yourself. Your words have the power to convince people. When I hired my people, I sold a promise to them that if they head my advise they will earn big money and learn from me. And take note that communication skills is not just mere words. Taking full advantage of your body, your mind, your voice, and above all your imagination will give you a significant competitive edge.

PETER F. DRUCKER (American Management Guru):

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.