When hiring a senior Sales leader or executive, the reference check isn’t just a final formality. It’s a strategic tool. Done right, it confirms what you think you know, uncovers what you need to know, and sometimes, saves you from a very expensive mistake.

Let’s break it down.

Let’s face it—sales is hard. The targets are aggressive, your pipeline never feels full enough, and someone, somewhere, decided that “Always Be Closing” should be a personality type.

But here’s the truth: sleaze doesn’t sell.

When the time comes to hire a new Sales Manager, many companies face a common dilemma: Should you promote your top-performing salesperson, or look for fresh talent from outside the organization? It's tempting to elevate your MVP into a management position, assuming their success on the sales floor will naturally translate into leadership. But before you make that call, let's pause and ask: Does the skill set of a top salesperson truly align with what's needed to be a successful Sales Manager? The answer isn't always as clear-cut as it seems.