19 Essential Traits of Elite Sales Professionals (Hire Wisely)

In B2B sales, the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles often boils down to the quality of its sales team. As a hiring manager, your role in identifying and recruiting these 19 personal traits is integral to building a results-producing sales team.

1/ Business Acumen: Masters market dynamics and strategic alignment.

2/ Initiative: Proactively seizes opportunities without prompting.

3/ Proper Prioritization: Manages time effectively, focusing on impactful tasks.

4/ Desire to be Led: Thrives under clear, strategic direction.

5/ Self-motivated and Disciplined: Driven to exceed expectations independently.

6/ Innate Interpersonal Skills: Excels in building trust and relationships.

7/ Caring: Prioritizes deep understanding of client needs.

8/ Sense of Humor: Engages and entertains, enhancing likability.

9/ Combativeness: Advocates strongly without harming relationships.

10/ Confidence: Projects credibility and persuasiveness.

11/ Leadership: Inspires and influences teams positively.

12/ Integrity and Ethical Standards: Upholds honesty, foundational for trust.

13/ Success Orientation: Competitively pursues top performance.

14/ Resilience: Bounces back quickly from challenges.

15/ Curiosity and Learning Agility: Adapts and learns continuously.

16/ Problem-Solving Skills: Acts as a consultant, identifying and solving client problems.

17/ Strategic Thinking: Positions offerings to align with client and industry goals.

18/ Courage: Comfortably handles conflicts and challenges.

19/ Diplomacy: Manages and resolves conflicts tactfully.

So, next time you’re hiring, remember—it’s not just about filling a position; it’s about fortifying a future.