How do I tell my boss his plan is not working?

Question

Recently, I’ve become increasingly disturbed with a number of my female co-workers. About three months ago, the new human resource guy decided to “re-image” the company. As part of this new experiment, he went out and hired four extremely gorgeous women as outside sales representatives – none of which had any measurable sales experience at the time. Unfortunately, so far, they have accomplished very little. What they have accomplished, with astounding proficiency, is to strain customer relations, not to mention overall employee moral. After almost three months on the job, only one of them has shown an interest in being a part of the team or improving her overall product knowledge and presentational skills. The rest act as if they are on some sort of fast tract to the top. It’s as if they feel they “are” the new “image” in our “re-imaging” initiative and they can’t be touched. It’s starting to get out of control!!!

Obviously, this need to be addressed. How would you proceed?

Answer 1

Well, you can't address it alone, anyway. The best thing to do is in your next marketing meeting (or whatever you have), initiate a conversation with the entire group about goals and what you have reached in the past xxx months. (throwing in a time range comparable to that of the new image) I worked for a company like this once, they ended up being bought out. It sounds really scary to me that a novice came up with this really ridiculous plan to revamp the company image. How crazy can they be?

Answer 2

IN a typical situation of bad business which needs to be snitched at to the boss, the way to go is facts. If you tell them "the new plan isn't working!" in a generic situation, they'll very often just dismiss you as emotional (especially if they've got their heads stuck in the sand or elsewhere.)

But if you record facts and bring them to your boss, then that option is cut off and the truth speaks aloud in black and white. If he then hems and haws, what I would do (not necessarily the right thing to do) is go over his head with it. You've got plenty to gain and maybe not much to lose, depending somewhat on how professional and mature the management are ;)

Unfortunately, American business is decadent today and run largely by idiots. Foreign competition is going to cream many of them because they work hard and study hard and our local losers just party hard, if they do anything with any passion at all. My own broke, evicted self was/is especially bitter when I couldn't get a job despite major hard work and a great record of success, while nubile collegiates or former Hooters girls of questionable intelligence strode readily into cushy roles with major potential. Like they say, "It's not what your people earn for you, it's what they cost you."

They also say "None so blind as those that will not see." Use facts, or *ask about them in a way that assumes your boss already has noticed and is concerned* with the underperformance and collateral damage. Also, for my money it's at least 50% time to start looking for antoher company. This is much easier said than done, I understand, and I'm sorry there isn't better news to my knowledge. But you don't belong in a place like that if they won't make the obvious necessary moves.

One thing of which I'd be afraid is that you're n a pharmaceutical representation company. Those reps are virtually never anything more than swag porters, while decisions are made by HMO's and strategic account management while the lingering formality of pharma reps siphon into the bottom line and further drive prices into the outrageous.

Plus, in that case, hiring pretty young girls is one of the most effective direct sales strategies (in leiu of real value.) I don't give up easily on salesmanship either.

I'd make an inquiry along the lines of 'you know that i know' and if things don't get hopping fast in the other direction, either find another company or organize your troops and unite to drive those vapid tarts back out of the professional arena where they don't belong!

Finally, if you want to break into a sales role, take heart in how wide-open the market is for someone with talent! 86% (Dartnell's) to 93% (Apex) of salespeople, depending who you ask, are incompetent for their jobs. If you even try, you'll stomp the vast majority of the competition out there. Thumbs up, and remember the best advice for salespeople in the new economy: live free or die hard!

Answer 3

I think the boss is the wrong person to be hiring anyone. He hired looks, not experience. Maybe the staff as a team could address it by asking questions as to what their mission is, how do they intend to accomplish it and what has the result been so far? If you keep it questions, instead of "statements", you'll keep yourself out of trouble and plant the seed of doubt.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

well your in a dilemma aren't you? sounds like you wanted the position but were turned down, am i right? i am sure you are more than qualified for the position, but if you feel this is a major problem you will probably have to find a new job or suck it up. if you bring this up to your boss your will not only get fired but probably will give you a bad reference. he will probably tell your desired employer that you were insubordinate and a whinnier. i personally would ignore it and make yourself more notable by participating more, or giving 120% instead of 110%.

honestly, good looking women do indeed have higher sales rate if their clientele are men! your boss is not looking out for you or for the moral police. he is looking for numbers/sales.

the only way you would be able to bring this up and be in the safe zone is this:::

1: if your NOT a adminastrative assistant or
2. If your boss values your opinion.
3. Suggest the idea to your boss don't tell him. he is the manager he knows best.

Answer 5

In a written statement like the kind you just issued, I would include a well thought out plan that can replace the one you want to change. If it doesent work or it has an adverse affect, you may want to look for a new job.

Answer 6

Ask them to pose for Playboy and leave the company.

Answer 7

not by you it doesnt unless you have another job waiting in the wings