SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS,

TEAMMATES AND

SUBORDINATESAmarpreet Singh

SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS Peers are those who are at the same

status as you. But in a manager – subordinate scenario

the relationship is well defined. The manager is supposed to guide ,

instruct , lead whereas the subordinate is expected to comply , follow and accept.

But in the course of modern era more and more organizations are encouraging the frontline to table their ideas in order to gain a fresh impetus.

SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS In a peer-to-peer combination since all

the individuals are on par, there is no clear guideline as to who should have the last word.

Hence ideally every discussion or idea should be considered on merit.

BASIC GROUND RULES IN SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS

Always be a good listener even if you think that the idea coming from someone else is irrelevant.

Do not have any pre-conceived notion. Focus on the content and not on the

individual. Do not form cartels. Put the interest of the group above your

own. Place your opinion but do not force it.

BASIC GROUND RULES IN SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS

Do not keep quiet fearing rejection of your ideas.

Egos are best left aside when among peers.

Eventually go along with the consensus even if you do not totally agree.

Do not be over critical of someone elses views.

Be participative but give each member an opportunity to voice his ideas.

Adhering to the above mentioned ground rules , will create an atmosphere devoid of any tension and prejudice which is essential if fair ideas are to blossom.

Also it creates mutual respect irrespective of whose thoughts are finally implemented.

EG-OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL PEER DISCUSSION

You are responsible for distribution sales and one of your distributors last month delayed his payment, he has done this once last year as well.

However his overall payment track record is fair. Also he is one of your highly performing

distributors and has given you good business, but your colleague from the finance department is refusing to allow credit facility as earlier.

The distributor has stated that his retailers have not paid him on time and hence he was forced to delay the payments.

Also without the credit facility he would be unable to give you this chunk of business.

This warrants another situation which you need to sell to your peer.

THINGS TO FOLLOW IN SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS

What must be kept in mind is that in anyway don’t be dishonest to your peers.

Don't be falsely or over committing. Do not have only your agenda in mind. Look at the larger picture and keeping in

mind the organizational goals Understand that even your colleague have

a role to play responsibly and hence to respect each others point of views, this leads to build up trust and can go a long way in helping resolve even future situations.

THINGS TO FOLLOW IN SELLING TO PEERS GROUPS A short term gain in mind do not falsify

data to get through a particular situation as this will have an adverse effect on your credibility and might backfire in some futuristic moments which could be of an even larger magnitude.

Sell but do so with whole hearted honestly , after all they are your peers.