Team selling is all well and good, but there are times when I just can't believe the things someone had the need to say with the receptionist only a few feet away.

Do they think he/she is incapable of translating our highly advanced sales speak?

And what the hell, because even if they could understand us, they would never go ahead and say anything to their boss. Right?

And just to be fair, how about the receptionist who is gossiping with a coworker with you only a few feet away?

Lucky for them you are not versed in the receptionistorial arts.

I'm ashamed to tell you that I have had people with me who talked trash and have listened to the trash talk and I discovered the most amazing thing . . .

We can all hear each other!

One exception . . .

When your prospect leaves the room for a moment, and you or your coworker feel compelled to talk about the prospect (even an innocent "how do you think we're doing so far?). They can't hear you but they do sense a certain "disturbance in the force" when they come back in and you suddenly stop talking.

So here are a few thoughts for you to ponder.

1) I teach a concept called "Proactive Discussions" where you simply tell people before the behavior occurs how you feel about the behavior and how you would like things to transpire going forward. The beauty of a "Proactive Discussion" is that there is a lower probability for conflict because you are talking about it before the behavior occurs and not while there is emotional attachment. Feel free to add this line to whatever you say during your discussion. "And that includes talking about my client/prospect at any point while we're on their property. You may not think they hear you, but I find it unprofessional and very distracting. In the unlikely event that you disregard this warning, I will be forced to shush you and/or stab you with something sharp. And while we're laying it all on the table, I lied on my application about being convicted"

2) When you are on an appointment and someone starts doing this, turn to them and say "Not now . . . I'm in the middle of my pre game mental preparation so, how shall I say this . . . shhhhhhhh"

3) And I'm not bashing receptionists at all when I say this . . . reiterate to them that they are indeed the "Director Of First Impressions" for your business and as much as you'd like to believe that people are incapable of hearing someone 3 feet away who isn't whispering, the invention of the ear has trashed that theory.

Today, we are cordially invited to remember . . .

We must be impeccable, even when we think no one can hear us!

Peace!