Clawing My Way Into Middle Management

I was accepted into my company's Sales Management class last December. It's quite an honor, they only took 5 Account Executives (AKA F***in' Sales Guys) for this year. The company has a goal of becoming a world-class sales organization, and after two week-long classes, I have to say we're well on our way. The first class was in Dallas where we learned about different personality types and how to manage them. Last week we met in Atlanta for a class on training and public speaking.

It's amazing how simple it is to appear as if one is a naturally gifted public speaker. For the videotaped sessions I did 1-minute talks on how to cook salmon and my chili cooking techniques. Thanks to my experience as a tour guide and MC of a local Alpha Class I fooled the instructors into thinking that I had already had some training. Normally I hate being taped, but this class was so helpful I didn't mind at all.

I was a little skeptical when I came to work for this multi-billion dollar corporation, but it is plainly obvious that this company is invested in the development of its people. I am honored that I have been selected as one of the few people to help shape the future of this organization. In the past I would write "I just hope I don't screw it up" here, but I no longer worry about like that. Now that I'm 2 1/2 years removed from the Fishhouse's daily brow beatings my confidence is restored, and I'm excited to help lead my team to be the best it can be.