DO WE NEED Managers??

Anybody getting bombarded by their manager to have them do live rides /lunches? I think they are scared that AZ is learning that we are Manager HEAVY!!! I don't need another "layer" to submit my expense report, and if Managers are just going to do "remote" lunches...AZ could have a team at the home office remote in to my call and "grade" me, and lastly...NOBODY is "coaching" anybody!! It's going to be a very long time before a Manager has a live ride with me, I know they think it is right around the corner...it ain't!! I know of a Manager who wanted to sit in the backseat of the reps car because the rep was trying to practice social distancing (that is pressure a rep doesn't need)!! The company can send out all the guidelines they want, but all one needs to do (and you can bet some shark lawyer is doing it) is look at Work Place...there are no guidelines being followed, AND you have senior leadership "liking" the posts of reps/managers NOT practicing social distancing. Unreal!! Oh, and, we don't need managers.

 

AZ is bloated period. Reps and managers

 

Yes you need managers. You can't figure out if wearing scrubs or bus. Cas. Is appropriate. Much less if you should go in an office.

 

Obviously I'm not, but if I were upper leadership, management per 10-11 team should simply consist of:
1 senior PSS, level 4-5, should be trained to handle conf. calls, send emails, occasional field rides and be trained to coach, and also be trained to approve expense reports. Give them 2.5 days per week for the above. 2.5 days respective territory. If there's 2-3 level 4 or above reps, let them compete for position. Lastly, save $150k plus mgr salary and give an extra $20k to Sr PSS/Mgr hybrid roles. There's no reason this shouldn't be considered. Its all abt someone having the guts to mention ways to save AZ tens of millions to those willing to listen. There are PLENTY of Sr. reps that would love to do this. HR, do you hear?

 

Having 34+ years split between being a representative and a manager in various divisions, partnerships, joint ventures and alliances that ranged from start up to mature product promotions I'll share my humble opinion: most managers are not worth what they are paid. Not even close.

There are very few real leaders, teachers, motivators that are both superb at actualizing the company's mission & vision and being compliantly innovative in their particular business landscape.

 

The single most difficult problem a rep faces is being able to get in front of doctors. I have never seen a manager that was able to solve this issue. If a doctor does not want to talk to you, short of putting a gun to his head nothing will work. Period. I really don't need a manager for anything else. This job is not rocket science.

 

Managers should be more of an admin/support role with much less emphasis on “coaching”. I’ve never been with a company where managers are so involved the the day to days activities of a rep. I have a touchpoint with my manager nearly EVERYDAY never had that experience until AZ. When my DM goes on vacation I feel mentally relieved that they aren’t hovering around.

 

DSM here. If your DSM is like that it is probably because he/she is positioning themselves for the next move and wants to show their direct manager how great they are at engagement or they think you aren't working and want you out....by making your life miserable. Sometimes a lot easier than going through the HR BS.

 

You are out of your mind. One question: How are you going to hold your "peers" accountable? And if you do, what do you think the response will be from your other "peers" towards you? Freaking millenials not wanting to be accountable. Grow up.
Here's my suggestion: Cut the sales force in half, including managers, CBD's, one EBD for the country in diabetes and one for resp, and one NSD for all PCP drugs, one for all ONC/biologic drugs. All report to Ruud. No VP's. done.

 

Actually, your idea is really lethargic and too many people would lose their jobs vs just management. Holding peers accountable is simply reporting to someone who has dual roles. They would be the person on you answer to. I'd bet if there were a 50% layoff, you'd be chosen to go bye bye.

 

Great point. Managers are way over valued and over paid. Accordingly, so are regional managers.

 

This thread raises the question: How many real, field problems and challenges does a district sales manager solve in each territory and across the district each quarter, if ever? That same goes for regional managers? The answer is? MANAGERS REALLY SOLVE NOTHING OF REAL VALUE. The job is not that complex. It is all about consistent, quality access that continues to decline because of real and perceived declining value of a pharmaceutical "professional" interaction.

 

I have a similar set of experiences, and while I don’t deny what you say, the same is true for many reps... They are glad-handers not salespeople.

 

The above poster brings up some interesting points. As a retired DM, I agree not one DM has ever solved the problem of diminishing access to doctors. Another interesting question....just how effective is the pharma sales rep of today? I'd have to say not very effective. Let's face it...the pharmaceutical sales model has basically not changed since the 1950's however the environment where reps work has vastly changed. I don't know if this means the end of this job both rep and dm but unless the model changes this industry is doomed.

 

Hey Old Timer: Nobody cares about your views. Just fade away boomer. Thanks

 

This is the "Old Timer" from the above post. Snowflake I forgot more about pharma than you will ever now. I worked in the glory days of this industry something you will never see. You deliver messages and cater lunches while surfing for signatures while you justify your boring and worthless job. Yes I retired. Oh I had a pension plan and 401K which netted me significant seven figure retirement. Something you will never see. Idiots like you are why the professionalism of this job and died. You better start looking for a real job because yours will end soon. I'm sure your biggest decision is to wear scrubs or a polo shirt to work. Oh by the way I hear Walmart is hiring. Putz.

 

OMG this retired DM is hilarious! I agree with the poster that stated your opinions are worthless. This is 2020 not 1990! Time for your meds and diaper change. Better get ready for watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

 

Riding with your Manager is ALWAYS the most UNPRODUCTIVE day you will have. The company probably doesn't realize that we actually lose business on those days.

 

He or she is right you little twit.

 

probably the only time you work eight hours is when you are with your manager snowflake.