5 Essential Traits of a Good Direct Sales Team Leader

You’ve just recruited your first person into your direct sales company. You’re excited, she’s excited and you both want to hit the streets running. It’s a great start! But, in your mind you’re wondering if you have what it takes to be a good leader.

There are 5 traits every good leader possesses. If you don’t have these traits, begin now to learn them. Yes, leadership can be learned. You don’t have to be a natural born leader to be a good leader.

A Good Leader is a Leader

I’ve heard the saying: “If you’re leading but no one is following, you are just taking a walk.” That is so true. Have you ever seen those who are in leadership positions but no one is following them? I’m sure you have.

Even some of the best leaders are not natural born. They’ve had to learn certain skills and what it takes to be a leader. You can do the same. When you lead people, you are actually teaching them, standing by their side and serving them. Yes, it’s all about being of service to them. They will grow because of your example.

It’s like teaching your kids. You can’t teach your son to do the dishes if you don’t ever do them. You need to stand with him the first few times and do the dishes with him. Then when he is ready to do it by himself, the dishes will be all nice and clean, rinsed, dried and put away properly.

The same applies when you are in a leadership position in direct sales. Show your recruits how to do it and then do it with them. Next, help them when they first step out on their own. Yes, it takes time and energy, but there is no place better to invest your time and energy than in helping someone else.

A Good Leader is a Good Listener

A good leader isn’t one who “knows everything” or “doesn’t have time” to hear what her recruits or clients have to say. A good leader is someone team members can go to when they need help with something.

A good leader also knows what to listen to and what not to listen to. As a leader, you shouldn’t encourage gossip or negative talk about another person. People who are constant whiners and complainers will drain you of all your energy and joy. You’ll need some discernment and know how to politely turn away from this type of talk.

A Good Leader is Available

A good leader will make time for their recruits and clients. Some leaders have a set schedule for seeing recruits, but they also know emergencies arise so they make themselves available for those times.

Set your own schedule, but be aware that your recruits will need you at times other than those you specifically set every once in awhile. Open your door and help them when they need it most.

A Good Leader is Organized and Knows How to Prioritize

This is not only true in business, but it is also true in a leader’s personal life. Remember your family is most important and you’ll need to balance family with business. If you don’t know how to organize and prioritize your business and personal life, don’t worry. Take some time to learn these skills. There are a lot of great resources out there to help you.

A Good Leader Overcomes Obstacles that Stand in the Way of Goals

Not everyone will be supportive of what you’re doing. You should know how to weed out the negative and focus on the positive. Believe me, when you are in a leadership position, you will hear it all. Some of which you don’t want to hear, but have to just because you’re the leader. Filter out the bad and keep the good. Don’t let these obstacles stop you from reaching your goals.

Developing these qualities will help you to succeed as a great direct sales team leader. It takes time and effort to master these skills but it’s worth it so you can move your business forward and be of service to those in your team.

As a busy mom Kim DeYoung was drawn to direct sales as an opportunity to make good money running a home-based business. She shares how shifting your inner self will allow you to create, attract and manifest more clients and more profits in a free call. Click here to listen to “Getting Your Head in the Game”.