Phoenix51 Insightshttps://phoenix51.io/blog/Practical hiring, assessment and development articles.en-GBHow to assess sales candidates before you hire themhttps://phoenix51.io/blog/how-to-assess-sales-candidates/https://phoenix51.io/blog/how-to-assess-sales-candidates/Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:01:26 +0000Assess sales candidates against the work the role requires. Combine a structured interview with a realistic task, agree the scoring criteria in advance and record what each candidate demonstrates.The cost of a bad sales hire: build your own estimatehttps://phoenix51.io/blog/cost-of-a-bad-sales-hire/https://phoenix51.io/blog/cost-of-a-bad-sales-hire/Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:57:09 +0000The cost of an unsuccessful hire depends on your role and business. Build an estimate from actual recruitment, employment, training and management costs, then show uncertain commercial effects separately.How to measure whether sales training changes behaviourhttps://phoenix51.io/blog/measure-sales-training-effectiveness/https://phoenix51.io/blog/measure-sales-training-effectiveness/Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:03:24 +0000Define the behaviour you want training to change, assess it before the programme and review it afterwards in a comparable task or workplace situation. Treat sales results as one part of the evidence.Performance coaching at work: make the next action clearhttps://phoenix51.io/blog/performance-coaching-at-work/https://phoenix51.io/blog/performance-coaching-at-work/Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:05:57 +0000Useful performance coaching connects a specific goal with observed behaviour and an agreed next action. It gives the individual space to reflect while making progress concrete enough to review.Close the gap between strategy and everyday actionhttps://phoenix51.io/blog/strategy-execution-gap/https://phoenix51.io/blog/strategy-execution-gap/Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:08:59 +0000A strategy becomes actionable when priorities have owners, decisions, resources and review points. Connect the plan with the capabilities and behaviours people need to deliver it.Run a strategy day that produces decisions and actionhttps://phoenix51.io/blog/how-to-run-a-successful-strategy-day/https://phoenix51.io/blog/how-to-run-a-successful-strategy-day/Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:08:05 +0000A useful strategy day begins with decisions to make and ends with owners, actions and review dates. Preparation and follow-through matter as much as the discussion in the room.