Last updated on Jul 11, 2024

What do you do if your Account Managers are falling into common time-wasting habits?

Account managers play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding client relationships. However, even the most dedicated account managers can fall into time-wasting habits that hinder their productivity and, in turn, the company's success. As you navigate the challenges of account management, it's crucial to identify these habits and implement strategies to overcome them, ensuring your team operates at peak efficiency.

1 Identify Habits

First, you must recognize the specific time-wasting habits your account managers are exhibiting. Common culprits include excessive meetings, over-checking emails, and getting bogged down with administrative tasks that could be automated or delegated. Understanding the root cause is essential; it could be due to a lack of organization, unclear priorities, or simply not having the right tools at their disposal. Once identified, you can address these habits directly and constructively.

Add your perspective

Nathan David

Vice President - Sales @ Planview | Empowering customers to gain control of the entire software development lifecycle
Report contribution
It is important to create a single sales objective and map all activities back to that objective. When you notice unproductive work being done, you can always bring back that focus by asking a very simple question: How does this support our single sales objective? Activity does not equal productivity. The key is to keep a view of the outcome first and then recognize the activities that need to take place to accomplish that outcome. Let the filtering begin :)

Like
Dhananjay Bhongale

DGM West Region - Enterprise & SME Sales | Solution Selling Team Leader | Strategic Business Planner | Driving Hefty Revenue | SaaS & PaaS Expert | B2B Sales Specialist | Digital Strategist | Ex. Indiamart & BlueDart
Report contribution
Start by identifying what specific habits are causing the time-wasting. Common ones could include excessive socializing, unnecessary meetings, procrastination, or disorganized work habits.

Like
Avdhut Patil, MBA

| Trusted Advisor- C-suite | U.S. & MENA | | LinkedIn Top Voice | Global Strategist | | Healthcare | Fintech | Salesforce☁️ | | HealthTech | Collaborator | IT Services and IT Consulting
Report contribution
Start by identifying the specific habits that are causing time wastage. These could include excessive meetings, frequent email checking, multitasking, lack of prioritization, or social media distractions.💡

Like
Goutham Rajan

Building the future by recruiting the best today. Reach @ 9916103938. #Perm #RPO #MSP - GCC's, BFSI & Product Hiring.
Report contribution
If your Account Managers are falling into common time-wasting habits, it's important to address the issue promptly to enhance productivity and efficiency. Here are steps you can take to help them eliminate these habits: 1.Identify Common Time-Wasting Habits 2.Assess and Analyze 3.Implement Time Management Training 4.Promote Efficient Practices 5.Leverage Technology and Tools 6.Encourage a Focused Work Environment 7.Regular Check-ins and Reviews 8.Promote Work-Life Balance 9.Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement By systematically addressing time-wasting habits and implementing effective time management practices, you can help your account managers become more productive and focused on high-priority tasks.

Like

2 Set Priorities

After pinpointing the inefficiencies, help your account managers prioritize their tasks. Encourage them to distinguish between urgent client issues that require immediate attention and less critical tasks that can be scheduled for later. Effective prioritization will not only enhance time management but also ensure that clients receive the best possible service at the right time. This can be facilitated by regular planning sessions and the use of prioritization tools or techniques.

Add your perspective

Anton V.

Healthy Teamwork: 🌱 to 🌳 | Founder | Researcher | Methodologist
Report contribution
1. Your company's and your client's priorities are a good basis for the account manager's prioritization. 2. Help & train your account managers how to prioritize correctly; unfocus can occur due to insufficient experience in setting priorities - give the opportunity to correct this. Catch the first positive shoots and give positive reinforcement.

Like

3 Implement Tools

Technological solutions can be a game-changer for time management. Introduce your account managers to customer relationship management (CRM) systems and project management tools that streamline workflow and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. By automating data entry, follow-up reminders, and report generation, these tools free up your team to focus on more strategic activities that directly contribute to client satisfaction and business growth.

Add your perspective

Avdhut Patil, MBA

| Trusted Advisor- C-suite | U.S. & MENA | | LinkedIn Top Voice | Global Strategist | | Healthcare | Fintech | Salesforce☁️ | | HealthTech | Collaborator | IT Services and IT Consulting
Report contribution
Introduce tools and software that help track and manage time effectively. Tools like time-tracking apps, project management software, and calendar systems can provide visibility into how time is being spent and highlight areas for improvement.💡

Like

4 Provide Training

Sometimes, account managers may not be fully aware of the best practices for efficient work. Provide them with training sessions focused on time management, organization, and effective communication. Workshops on how to use new software or tools can also be beneficial. Regular training ensures that your team stays up-to-date with the latest strategies and technologies, which can prevent them from falling back into unproductive habits.

Add your perspective

5 Monitor Progress

It's important to track the progress of your account managers after implementing new strategies and tools. Set up regular check-ins to review their workloads, discuss any challenges they're facing, and adjust plans as necessary. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure improvements in time management and productivity. Celebrating small victories can also motivate your team to stay on track and continuously improve their habits.

Add your perspective

6 Encourage Balance

Lastly, emphasize the importance of work-life balance. Burnout can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in time-wasting behaviors. Encourage your account managers to take breaks, disconnect after work hours, and use their vacation time. A well-rested and mentally healthy team is more efficient and better equipped to handle the demands of account management without falling into counterproductive habits.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What do you do if your Account Managers are falling into common time-wasting habits?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Habits

2 Set Priorities

3 Implement Tools

4 Provide Training

5 Monitor Progress

6 Encourage Balance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Account Management

More relevant reading

What do you do if your Account Managers are falling into common time-wasting habits?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Habits

2 Set Priorities

3 Implement Tools

4 Provide Training

5 Monitor Progress

6 Encourage Balance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills