I took a new sales role ( I’m a senior level enterprise/strategic salesperson in tech) at the beginning of the year.

Anonymous

September 18,2021 at 2:00PM UTC

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I took a new sales role ( I’m a senior level enterprise/strategic salesperson in tech) at the beginning of the year. While interviewing I was told and made clear this was important, that I would report to the Chief Revenue Officer. 1 month in they promoted a sales person from the internal team who I now report to. They are a very strange person. They over share about their personal life on one on ones and sales meetings, they micromanage inspecting every email the team writes and critiquing, they join calls and take over without being asked and their sales style is disturbing and they are rude to prospective clients, talking over them and basically spending the entire demo talking about themself. I’m wondering how to communicate this to the CRO on my one on one without coming off as complaining or negative? I have been contacted by several other folks on the team and it seems like we’ve all had similar experiences with them. Should I just put my head down and deal with it while looking for a new role or is there a way to fix it? Would love to hear your thoughts.

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AnonymousSeptember 18,2021 at 2:25PM UTC
I'm wondering why you, as the new person, is the one expected to address this?
This person obviously was good enough to be promoted above all others on the team. They are doing something right. They are respected and well thought of by the CRO and others higher up.
If you raise the issue, please raise it on your own behalf since the rest of those with similar issues don't suddenly throw you under the bus while claiming they don't really have issues with this person.
Finally, this person is your boss, so in your 1:1 you’ll need to address all your issues first and allow them time to adjust. Only when they make no adjustments can you go to their boss. It would not be professional to immediately go over their head without discussing your experience first.
Be prepared for fallout but also some good may come out of all of it and save you the hassle of looking elsewhere for a new job.
AnonymousSeptember 20,2021 at 4:34PM UTC
Nothing changes unless you speak up, and it sounds like - especially with others feeling the same - it's worth speaking up. Because you are new, it shouldn't be on you to address this issue for all. But definitely bring up your concerns in a professional way (and offer solutions). Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 20,2021 at 8:15PM UTC
Just to add to my original post- we are all new- The entire team was hired at beginning of year- and the person promoted was basically the only experienced person on the team.
Erin HennamanSeptember 21,2021 at 4:02PM UTC
Facts and documentation. You absolutely have the right to speak up if you are feeling uncomfortable, but I encourage you to have any facts or supporting documentation outlined in preparation for the conversation. Good luck!