Useless Managers


These managers in the Midwest are some of the worst ever seen. All they know how to do is create more useless work for everyone. Not to mention these useless Field Contacts that they "conduct". Would love to see them have the conversation with the doctors and actually sell. Ooops....they can't.
 

Tim Hollis. I used to work for him, he treats his people like they are stupid idiots and like they don't know how to sell. If it doesn't affect him he doesn't care, so glad I left, hated working for him, its a breath of fresh air to be at another company. He never says anything positive just the negative and we need more more more and more. This company is becoming a big joke to be here, so glad I left, never felt better in my life, I do have my dignity.
 
Tim Hollis. I used to work for him, he treats his people like they are stupid idiots and like they don't know how to sell. If it doesn't affect him he doesn't care, so glad I left, hated working for him, its a breath of fresh air to be at another company. He never says anything positive just the negative and we need more more more and more. This company is becoming a big joke to be here, so glad I left, never felt better in my life, I do have my dignity.

Sounds like you were a useless rep
 
He is condescending, always negative, talks down to everyone, has no personality, and doesn't have a grasp on pharma or reality.

I have been in Pharma a long time and have only come across aguy like this once in my career. The lack of respect that he gets immediately after opening his mouth is incredible. He should tape himself before he speaks then listen to it and ask himself " Is this how I would want to be spoken to". How these people are put into leadership roles is mindboggling. He feels that his repetitive condescending messages will produce more Rx's when in fact what he is really accomplishing is reps trying to do worse so he can look bad. A guy couldn't deserve more than being ranked last in all products. Hopefully he stays ranked last so they can ship him the hell out of here!!!
 
As much as we reps struggle with the question of the value of our work (assuming you are a rep who really works hard), the real problem is this: Pharmaceutical Sales Management is a pyramid scheme. They don't do anything of substance. They just suck money from the layers beneath them. They take the same old ideas and reframe the same issue with new language. They spin. They scapegoat. The set aside what they know to be the reality of the job in order to reinforce the myth that what they do matters -- and this goes all the way up. Novartis can start by eliminating the DM/ASM level. Let the RDs supervise 50, 60 reps. Assign each rep a different administrative area to oversee for the group. Let us rotate responsibilities. Give it a year. Productivity will not change. I promise. Same TRx growth trends. Reps will still do their jobs to whatever degree they do. One level FLMs below the VPs who ride with reps one day every 3 months. Reps who actually still need coaching and to be taught how to sell should be gone. There are enough of us who know how to do the job. What a joke. Think about how much they could save if they reduced the ASM/DM/RD group by 80%. Dead weight. Jerks mostly (I know, not all...).
 
It is very frustrating when it comes to managers. The company is finally aware that they are paying these people alot of money and they aren't where they need to be as far as coaching and motivating their people. I think they realize that these people are doing more sitting at home than they are out in the field. Prime example as far as not up on the knowledge part of it. This flashcard has thrown many of them and they aren't even able to help assist the reps that are having problems.
 
As much as we reps struggle with the question of the value of our work (assuming you are a rep who really works hard), the real problem is this: Pharmaceutical Sales Management is a pyramid scheme. They don't do anything of substance. They just suck money from the layers beneath them. They take the same old ideas and reframe the same issue with new language. They spin. They scapegoat. The set aside what they know to be the reality of the job in order to reinforce the myth that what they do matters -- and this goes all the way up. Novartis can start by eliminating the DM/ASM level. Let the RDs supervise 50, 60 reps. Assign each rep a different administrative area to oversee for the group. Let us rotate responsibilities. Give it a year. Productivity will not change. I promise. Same TRx growth trends. Reps will still do their jobs to whatever degree they do. One level FLMs below the VPs who ride with reps one day every 3 months. Reps who actually still need coaching and to be taught how to sell should be gone. There are enough of us who know how to do the job. What a joke. Think about how much they could save if they reduced the ASM/DM/RD group by 80%. Dead weight. Jerks mostly (I know, not all...).




Outside of pharma, you'd never see a manager ride along with a rep anywhere near the frequency, extreme overkill (which is what leads to so much abuse, legally)....and Novartis and big pharma are the worst, once a year for one day is all that is really needed - "Bob, here's you year end and you get 3%". - and our customers (Dr's and staff) never act the same when they are with us).

If you ever sold in other industries you know that about the only time any manager rode along was if you requested, and usually to help close a deal. When I first came to pharma I thought this practice was insane and often questioned why, afterall, I am experienced in sales (that was a requirement for the job), an adult and have proven to Novartis that I am responsible.
 
add Eric Cho- what a waste of a mgr. did you see how he demoralized his rep from the stage at last meeting? take that back to where you came from Eric. I would shake you're hand but you're a wack job about that too!! He acts like he's friends with some of his reps, the truth is, they can't stand him. Just trying to keep their job...let's play cards Eric.

Cho is the man. You must be a shitty rep.
 
I get so tired of the negativity on this site.
Why not recognize some of the really good managers instead of the jerks. The good ones have to put up with a lot and stick there necks out to be good. They are not all bad>

My manager is very good at his job! He works hard, support the reps, follows up quickly on questions, support us in our career development, and will stand up for you if you are in the right. He is proably one of the most respected managers in the company. He has been with Novartis over 35 years and still has the passion. Our district is always at the top in sales, even though we are in WI, a very tough market.
If WP ever retires I am gone along with many other in the district.

After listening to all of you, I feel very lucky.
 
I get so tired of the negativity on this site.
Why not recognize some of the really good managers instead of the jerks. The good ones have to put up with a lot and stick there necks out to be good. They are not all bad>

My manager is very good at his job! He works hard, support the reps, follows up quickly on questions, support us in our career development, and will stand up for you if you are in the right. He is proably one of the most respected managers in the company. He has been with Novartis over 35 years and still has the passion. Our district is always at the top in sales, even though we are in WI, a very tough market.
If WP ever retires I am gone along with many other in the district.

After listening to all of you, I feel very lucky.

The problem is that there are so many useless managers so that is why the thread is originated. If Novartis was filled with the great one's that you have then this thread would be praising the great management that Novartis has. If you think about it, it is very sad that many people can't stand their managers and have zero respect for them. What is that a reflection of ? The reps are all overly sensitive or are there really a lot of terrible managers put in leadership positions ? I believe everyone wishes they can say all the positive things that you say about your manager because it's refreshing to know that there a few good apple out there.
 


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