Salesmen bring home the bacon so don't be surprised if they are not promoted. But there are ways of working together.
IF YOU are a salesman and have any ambition of getting ahead, there are obviously ways and means of gaining that elusive promotion. The top salesman with a few years up his sleeve is usually considered an great asset.
The problem is that it is likely he or she will want to get out of the day to day grind of selling and move to managerial level. This is where most think they can use their talents to the long term advantage of the company and to the personal benefit of themselves and, usually, their family.
The problem may be that the chief executive officer is, in all likelihood, happy to see the top salespeople stay exactly where they are - selling. The problem is how does one get out of sales and into a senior position.
Top managers have all sorts of skills. Some can motivate employees, or build consensus, or hold down expenses, or simply focus on the right priorities.
In some companies, these skills are more highly regarded than selling. I don't share this view (what could be more important than generating revenue?), but it's a fact you have to deal with. I know lots of companies being run by 'professional managers' who have not made a sales call in years.
There may be a problem in that if, buried in any bid for promotion, salesmen could lay claim to 'single-handedly' making all their own sales. That suggests they are operating as a lone wolf, which runs counter to any strategy I know for advancement in an organisation. The key to success today is partnering.