Proverbs 12:16

Proverbs 12:16 

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Christian Based Selling

The profession of sales is not always understood or respected by some of our non-selling colleagues.  When we do our job well the closing of a deal can appear easy.  It is not uncommon for us to receive backhanded compliments or direct put downs by our peers or management.  

In such a case, a fool will quickly retaliate with an angry response.  A negative retort will do nothing to change the perceptions or beliefs that fueled the offense.  These insults are generally thinly disguised as a joke that others in the room can easily see through if the comment was mean spirited.

We must resist the impulse to take our verbal revenge.  Instead let the others take notice of our good nature and patience which will elevate our reputation in the eyes of our peers.   As Christian based sales professionals, we will win the hearts and minds of our colleagues as well as our prospective clients with the integrity that drives our words and actions.  

Have you received backhanded compliments internally?  How did you handle it?  What would you want to do differently next time?