Is Competition in the Sales Field Healthy?
Competition is a normal part of business life. In the sales industry, competition is often a major factor in motivating professionals to work harder – but is competition in the sales field healthy?
It’s kind of a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, many sales professionals thrive off of competition and need competition to find purpose. On the other, sales professionals who are driven solely by competition may be pursuing self-fulfilling goals instead of concentrating on the company’s goals.
Likewise, someone who becomes overly competitive can become difficult to work with. If everything is a competition, egos and attitudes can become a problem around the office.
Consider Gamification to Breed Healthy Competition
Sales gamification software is a proven way to breed healthy competition that doesn’t easily get out of hand. By using sales gamification software, your company can create fun little sales competitions that have a clearly defined ending so as not to become an ongoing pursuit.
Additionally, when you gamify a competition, aka turn tasks into competitive games, you keep things lighthearted and allow for all of your sales professionals to get involved, not just the ultra-competitive sales professionals. This may help less outgoing sales team members to come out of their shells and embrace the competitive spirit. Find the best sales gamification software by visiting this website.
Healthy Competition Breeds Innovation
While competition often drives more productivity, it can also be a big motivator to innovate. When placed in a competitive environment, sales professionals may begin to look for new ways to overcome challenges to get ahead of the competition.
The downside to this is that you will need to be mindful that innovation doesn’t turn into unethical behavior. If a sales professional is so driven by a competition that they start to engage in unethical practices, it may be time to reconsider your company’s approach.
Competition for All
Finally, remember that your role as an employer requires your company to follow certain standards when it comes to equal treatment of employees in the workplace. If competition doesn’t involve everyone or isn’t geared to allow eligible employees to participate, you could find your business in legal trouble. You’re encouraged to consult with your company's attorney for more information.
Read a similar article about software for sales coaching here at this page.