Interesting data and certainly something we have seen before during an economic slowdown. I think CEOs sometimes aren’t sure how to drive revenue so they think changing out the sales leadership will do it.

I’m not certain that is always the best approach (almost seems like the classic “fall guy” move). Changing horses in midstream adds a learning curve that may actually slow down revenue growth while the new VP ramps up (they have to ramp too).

The one thing I have seen is VP’s who get defeated or lack the skill set to make the needed adjustments in the economic slowdown. If that is the case, the change is clearly warranted, and needed.

I spoke with an executive recruiter the other day as part of an engagement with one of our clients. He told me that his firm has numbers of new projects for recruiting VPs of sales. He says the economy is forcing CEOs to examine ways to drive more revenue and bringing in a new VP of Sales is high on the list.

I’m interested in your perspective on that.