The Road To Burnout (Five reasons for sales burnout)

There is a high rate of burnout in sales. It happens for different reasons. Some are avoidable and some are not. Here are five reasons why burnout occurs in sales people...

1. Too much pressure put on sales reps

- Sales managers often take the joy out of sales by putting unnecessary pressure on their people. It is normal to have pressure in sales but too much will eventually breed resentment toward sales.

2. Not suited for sales

- Just because someone is good at sales does not mean they enjoy it. Many sales people are just in the wrong profession. Doing something that you dislike (even with success) everyday will inevitably lead to burnout.

3. Lack of recognition

- Most (if not all) sales people need or want to be recognized for their success'. They feel energized by getting a sale and being acknowledged for it. While being rewarded financially is great, being recognized for a good achievement can mean even more.

4. Stagnancy

- Selling the same thing over and over again without any change in product or responsibility can lead to burnout. Sales people in general, like to be challenged. Doing exactly the same thing everyday can strip motivation away.

5. No creative freedom

- Every Sales person has a different style of selling. We are all unique and our sales styles reflect that. Being boxed into someone else's idea of the "right way to sell" will take the enjoyment out of sales for them. Being restricted means eventual resentment.

Thankfully, four out of five of these causes of burnout can be avoided. Sales managers need to always be aware of these catalysts for burnout. It will keep your sales reps happy and producing.

Good Selling,

Eric