Redefining Leadership Beyond Conventions

"Leadership is not about control. It's about connection."

👋 Hello Reader,

Welcome to the 2nd edition of Rise to Excellence! Every week, we will bring you real stories, practical strategies, and powerful leadership lessons designed especially for professionals in sales and after-sales.

This week's topic is all about rethinking leadership. We're moving beyond old-school command-and-control to a more impactful, people-first way of leading.

If you're in a managerial or senior role, this edition is for you. Ready to dive in?

Warm regards, Sunil Singh (Coach & Mentor)

🔍 Why This Topic Matters

In our sales and after-sales world, leadership is often seen as being the boss—setting targets, chasing deadlines, solving escalations.

But let me ask you—

• Does shouting get results or silence?

• Do your people perform out of fear or belief?

• Are you leading by title or by trust?

We're in a time when clients want real connection and teams want meaningful growth. Traditional leadership won't work anymore. It's time to upgrade—not just your CRM system but your leadership style, too.

Let's learn through a story.

👥 Story of Akash and Rohit – Two Leaders, One Truth

Both Akash and Rohit were sales engineers from Chennai. Recently promoted to Area Sales Managers at the same automotive firm, they started strong—but took very different paths.

Rohit's Route – Boss by Badge

Rohit believed that now he was "the boss", and his job was to issue orders.

His meetings sounded like this: 🗣️ "This is the plan. I don’t want excuses.”

He avoided discussions, discouraged suggestions, and expected obedience. Initially, the team followed. But slowly:

• Motivation dropped

• Escalations increased

• Even good performers resigned

Customers began noticing gaps in follow-ups. But Rohit was too focused on KPIs to care.

Akash's Approach – Leader by Trust

Akash thought differently. He believed leadership was about building people, not controlling them.

His team meetings started with: 🗣️ “What are your challenges this week? How can I help?”

He involved team members in planning, celebrated small wins, and gave them space to own outcomes.

The result?

• Team morale soared

• Escalations dropped

• Sales improved steadily. And customers? They came back with referrals.

🧠 The difference? One used his authority; the other earned his influence.

💡 Leadership Insight of the Week

Most people believe:

“Leadership is about being the most experienced or loudest voice in the room.”

But in reality: ✅ Leadership is about enabling others to perform their best—even when you're not in the room.

Let go of:

❌ Command-and-control

❌ Always having the final say

❌ Leading with fear

Embrace:

✅ Listening deeply

✅ Building ownership

✅ Leading with empathy and action

As a leader in sales or service, remember—you're not managing machines. You're leading minds.

✅ Action Plan: Try This 3C Framework

Want to practise modern leadership? Try this simple 3C shift this week:

1. Clarity Over Control

Instead of giving orders, give context. 👉 “This quarter, our focus is customer retention. What’s one idea each of you can bring?”

2. Coaching Over Commanding

Be a mentor, not a monitor. Ask: 👉 “What support do you need to close that client?”

3. Consistency in Conduct

Lead by example—even in the small things. 👉 Show up on time. Answer that delayed email. Appreciate effort, not just outcome.

📌 Pro Tip: In your Monday team huddle, ask one open-ended question. Watch how team dynamics shift.

📣 Quote of the Week

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch

✍️ From My Coaching Diary

Last month, I coached a Service Head from Delhi who handled a 200-person team. He was frustrated—despite his experience, the team wasn't responsive.

I asked him, "How often do you ask your team what they think?”

He said: "Why should I? I already know the solution.”

We worked on shifting his mindset. Two weeks later, he called me back and said,

“I stopped telling and started asking. My team suddenly came alive. I feel like a real leader now.”

Small shift. Big difference.

📬 Let's Hear From You

🧠 What is your definition of a great leader?

Have you experienced leadership that lifted or limited you?

Hit "Reply" and share your story with me. Or post your thoughts and tag me.

Let's keep the conversation real.

🔔 Next Week:

"Is Leadership Innate or Learned?" We'll bust another big myth and show how anyone—from field executive to zonal head—can lead purposefully.

📢 Share the Spark

If you liked today's newsletter, forward it to a friend or colleague in sales or service.

Let's grow this Rise to Excellence community together.

Visit my website: www.sunilsinghcoach.com