The Impact of Hiring Decisions

Hiring is a critical activity because it affects company results, management effectiveness, and company culture. A report by the Harvard Busi- ness School estimates that a bad hiring decision can cost a company three times the salesperson's annual compensation, including expenses, training costs, benefits, and incentive pay.

Figure 6-2. A Cross-Industry and Worldwide View of the Characteristics Associated With Successful Salespeople.
AmbitiousSelf-confidentLikable
MotivatedSecureSociable
Go-getterAssertiveEmpathic
Takes initiativePersistentResponsive
Hard-workingThick-skinnedOutgoing
Ego-drivenDecisivePersonable
Goal-orientedAdaptiveHas integrity
CompetitiveFlexibleTrustworthy
EnthusiasticSpontaneousGood listener
Disciplined ...

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