When the VP of Sales recommends shutting down the company
Mar 14, 2023As a VP of Sales, making tough decisions is part of the job description. But one of the toughest decisions is recommending to the CEO that the company needs to be shut down. This was the situation faced by a VP of Sales who had just been promoted.
After assessing the team, pipeline, and comparable businesses, the VP of Sales concluded that the company needed to pivot hard or shut down. The recommendation was made to the founders, who surprisingly didn't seem surprised. The decision was made to shut the company down, and nearly everyone was laid off, including the VP of Sales.
The aftermath was tough, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions ever made by the VP of Sales. Everyone landed on their feet at even better opportunities. The VP of Sales felt awful and responsible at the time, but it all worked out in the end.
Sales leaders often have to make incredibly difficult decisions. It's rough for everybody in the moment, but usually, things work out for the better in the end. If you've been laid off recently, keep your chin up. It will get better.
In sales leadership, making tough decisions is not only part of the job, but it's also necessary for the success of the sales organization. Sales leaders must be able to assess the situation objectively, consider all possible solutions, and make a recommendation that will best serve the company's interests, even if it means shutting it down.
Sales leaders who can make these tough decisions are highly valuable and sought after. They are the ones who can lead their teams through difficult times and help their organizations come out stronger on the other side.
So, if you're a sales leader, be prepared to make tough decisions. Assess the situation objectively, consider all possible solutions, and make a recommendation that will best serve the company's interests. And if you're an employee who has been laid off, know that things will get better, and you'll land on your feet at even better opportunities.