In the world of sales and sales leadership, having a thick skin is crucial. And for many successful sales professionals, that resilience was developed in childhood. As one individual shared on LinkedIn, being bullied as a child taught them the value of persevering through setbacks and challenges. They explained that dealing with constant intimidation and humiliation taught them to keep showing up, even when things were tough. As a leader in a startup environment, this trait has served them well. With the numerous challenges that arise in the constantly evolving world of startups, the ability to handle setbacks with grace is essential.

Sales is not for the faint of heart. Rejection, setbacks, and challenging personalities are all part of the game. But those who can weather those storms with poise and grace are the ones who succeed. Whether it's cold calling or leading a team through a difficult pivot, having the strength to keep pushing forward is key.

So, what can sales leaders do to cultivate this trait in themselves and their teams? First, they can work on developing a growth mindset. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, they can view them as opportunities to learn and grow. By adopting this perspective, they can maintain their resilience in the face of challenges.

Another strategy is to focus on building strong relationships with team members. When individuals feel supported and valued by their leaders, they are more likely to bounce back from setbacks. Creating a culture of support and encouragement can go a long way towards developing a team that is resilient in the face of challenges.

Finally, sales leaders can embrace the idea of grit. This concept, popularized by researcher Angela Duckworth, refers to the combination of passion and perseverance that leads to success. By fostering a culture of grit, sales leaders can help their teams develop the tenacity and resilience needed to succeed in the competitive world of sales.

In conclusion, having a thick skin is essential for success in sales and sales leadership. While it's not a trait anyone would wish to develop through bullying or other forms of adversity, those who have overcome significant challenges in their lives can bring a unique perspective to the world of sales. By cultivating a growth mindset, building strong relationships, and embracing the idea of grit, sales leaders can develop a team that is resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges.