The 'Poolside' Lesson: Are Your Sales Managers Equipped?

I took my kids to their swim class yesterday to take advantage of a quiet week in town between busy work trips. As they went off with their respective instructors, I took a seat to observe. I noticed that in one of the lanes a training was taking place with a group of swim instructors. 

After the head instructor explained a technique or drill on their iPad (waterproof cover obviously), the instructors then each took turns PRACTICING on the others as if they were 4 year olds - demonstrating the drill, helping the student (in this case the other instructor) do the drill, guiding their arms and legs in the right position, and giving them a happy cheer for a job well done. 

It struck me how much more equipped this group was for their job and how much more they were invested in than most sales managers in their roles. 

Some companies get it, and have thoughtful programs run internally or with external partners like us. But it’s crazy to see how many managers are thrown into the role because they were good at being producers. I get that in the case of the swim instructors, lives are at risk. But managers have a real impact on the lives of those they lead (even if not technically life or death).