Did you know that your position has the greatest failure rate of all positions in a direct selling company?  That’s the bad news.

The good news is that you can do many things to improve your odds to stay in your job.

Why Failure Happens

Poor Communication

It’s common for the VP of Sales to travel often and/or to live far away from the company’s home office.  Since you are likely not around that much, it is vital that you stay connected consistently with other members of your executive team.  Weekly online meetings are recommended so that you won’t suffer from the malaise of physical absence.

Mismatched Expectations

When you were hired, you had expectations.  So did your employer.  Are your expectations in sync with what their expectations are of you? Do you clearly know the expectations of others in your performance?

If your expectations of your performance and their expectations of your performance aren’t identical or nearly identical, your job is in danger.

Lack of Job Descriptions

Do you have a detailed job description for your job?  Without a written detailed job description, there are no agreed-upon performance measurements and deliverables.  The lack of a job description spells trouble for you.  If you weren’t given one, write one up yourself and then give it to your immediate supervisor with a request to approve it or amend it.

No Definition of Success

What is your supervisor’s definition of success for you in your job?  What is the CEO’s definition of success for you in your job?  What do you need to do to score a 10 out of 10 on the rating of your job performance?  There must be clear expectations of your performance that you, your supervisor, and the CEO each agree upon.

Responsibility, But No Authority

To be successful, you must have responsibilities and the authority to make decisions.  If you have the former but not the latter, you will be stymied in your ability to do your job.  If you can’t do your job, you will fail.

Cultural Differences

Every company has its own culture which is shaped in large part by the cultures of the people at the top.  When there’s a culture clash, it can be difficult to remain happy in your job.  For a long life in your job, you will need to adapt to the culture of the company.  If you can’t do that, get out now and go somewhere else where the culture fit is better for your job.

How to Save Yourself

1. Communicate frequently with your supervisor and the executive team.
2. Participate in weekly online meetings.
3. Work to ensure that your expectations of yourself and the expectations of others (your supervisor and the executive team) are identical or are nearly identical.
4. Ask for and obtain a written job description.  If you can’t get one, then write up your own job description and get it approved by your immediate supervisor.
5. Ask your supervisor and the CEO to tell you in writing what you need to do to get a 10/10 on your performance reviews.
6. Make sure that for each responsibility you are given, you are also given the authority to make decisions to get your job done.
7. Don’t stay in a company where its culture clashes with your personal culture unless you’re willing to change your work culture to match the company’s culture.