I've launched a new Inside Sales team recently. Our "coming out party" is in a couple of weeks, where the whole team will be dining with our RVPs and EVPs of sales. I'm feeling the pressure as these are my hires.
We had a pseudo "trial-run" dinner with my team and my boss last week. Once the wine had been poured, my boss said "does everyone have a drink to toast with"? At this point, one of my new reps interrupted and stole the thunder - he gave his own toast.
It was awkward and (I sensed) most people at the table felt uncomfortable. I haven't spoken to this person about the excited outburst because we all knew that his intention was good.
How do I address this so that it doesn't happen again at the big dinner in 2 weeks?
Don't beat around the bush
It should be an easy conversation. If you think it was a fine toast, feel free to say so. However, tell him that with the big wigs coming in, yourself and your team should take a back seat and let the higher ups drive the conversation, make toasts, etc.
I have used the "we should be flies on the wall" analogy before when I had someone from my team in a "big" meeting where I did not really want them jumping in without following my lead.
Hope that helps.
Mike
Yes You Do
Definitely warn them, send out the links to the meal interview podcasts and other meal / etiquette related casts, such as how to remember names, make introduction et al.
FYI - The name casts works - I use it all the tips all the time. When people ask me how come I'm so good at names, I plug MT podcasts.
JHB
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