The following is a dramatization utilizing fictional characters.  Any similarity to actual people is purely coincidental.
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Jody's hopes were up.  She had been selling for 15 months - a period short enough that counting the months still seemed appropriate.  While there had been some good times there were many more struggles than triumphs.  While she couldn't always explain exactly what was wrong, lately she'd been feeling as if the only one who cared about her success was her.  Certainly, she couldn't count on her teammates to give her the kind of support she needed.  Most of them were nice enough but they treated sales as an individual sport and they were in it for themselves.  Not that there was anything wrong with that but it sure would be nice if someone else had her professional goals in mind.

When she had first started selling, Jody had hoped to make a connection with her sales manager.  She envisioned spending one-on-one time - reviewing sales calls and getting individual coaching.  But, the sales manager was always busy building out reports and having strategic meetings with the upper brass.  During the few times that Jody was alone with her sales manager it seemed as if she was as frustrated as Jody at the lack of time available for specialized training and critical feedback of sellers.  Jody wasn't surprised when the sales manager announced that she was leaving for a smaller company.  Her explanation included some talk about "getting more involved with customers at the street level".  Now, Jody felt more alone than ever and she struggled to stay motivated.

The reason for her uplifted spirits today, however, was a meeting in the "Enchanted Room".  All of the conference rooms had names although Jody thought they were quite random.  The Enchanted Room was the largest of the conference rooms. 

Jody squeezed through the door of the Enchanted Room just as the Executive VP was closing it. 

"I'm not late am I, Mike."

"No, no.  Come on in.  We were just getting ready to start."

 The room pulsed with the energy of the forty-person sales force - gathered to meet the new sales manager.  Jody found a seat in the back corner where she could both observe and fail to be observed. 

The EVP was obviously in his element.  He had spearheaded the nationwide search.  He had interviewed the candidates and this was his choice to lead the most important sales office in the company.  Now he was standing in front of the troops to introduce the man that would define his legacy.

 Jody took a look around.  Seated in the front row of the conference room were "The Three Stooges."  They were loud, obnoxious and inseparable.  Behind them was the top biller, John.  Even now he was in the Blackberry prayer position.  Always working no matter where or when, the new sales manager would make little difference to John.  A couple of anxious rookies were against the far wall.  Wait a minute.  Had Michelle actually unbuttoned the top of her blouse? 

Before she could process the meaning of this development, Jody's phone buzzed.  She unhooked it from her purse strap and took a look.  Bill had sent her a text.  She glanced up to see him smiling at her from his position near the exit door.  She liked Bill.  He was a very good seller with a relaxed demeanor and an easy smile.  There were many times when his calm coolness had helped extinguish her fire.  Bill tapped his phone to indicate she should read his text.

"I hear this guy left his last job bcuz of death threats from his sales staff."

Jody laughed out loud and then covered her mouth with her free hand.  For her trouble, she received a look of disapproval from Mary - the prim and proper sales assistant.  Bill was staring at the ceiling, refusing to make eye contact, when she looked back at him.  A smile pulling at the corners of his mouth despite his best efforts.

After a too-long introduction, the EVP finally ceded the stage to his new hire, Phil, and the sellers settled down to hear the first thoughts of their new leader.

First of all, I would like to thank Mike for inviting me to become a part of this great company.  I know the thing that separates us from the competition is our great people and that's especially true of our sales people.

The Stooges knew this was the applause line and they didn't disappoint - whooping and hollering and high-fiving each other.  Jody rolled her eyes at the double absurdity of such a pathetic attempt to curry favor and the satiric, over-the-top reaction of The Stooges.  The sarcasm was clearly lost on Phil who actually believed that he had made a  connection with his new team.  His toothy smile grew to jack-o-lantern size.

Over the years, I have developed a philosophy that has helped me succeed at a very high level.  This philosophy can be summed up by an acronym.

Phil turned to the white board and wrote S.W.E.A.T.  He returned his attention to the staff.

"The S stands for Sweat."

The Stooges glanced at each other.  Bill gave Jody a wink as if to say "this is going to be good".  The smile on the EVP's face disappeared faster than shrimp cocktail at a media party.

We need to work hard.  Nothing has ever been accomplished without hard work and I expect to see each of you working your butts off.  You've got to put in the hours and break a sweat. 

The W stands for Weapons.  Each and every day we must put on our suit of armor and go out there to do battle.  Solid research, creative promotions, and strong presentations.  These tools of our trade are the weapons we'll use to eviscerate the competition.

"Yeah!"  One of The Stooges had let out a little yell at the thought of eviscerating someone.  Jody noticed the EVP shifting uncomfortably in his seat. 

The E is for excitement, energy and enthusiasm.  Sales is fun and interesting, and it's exciting.  We'll only accomplish our goals if we're excited about coming into work and energized about the products we sell.  We have to communicate our enthusiasm to our customers each and every day.  My promise to you is that I am going to be the most enthusiastic and energized guy here and there will never be a day when I am not pumped up about working with each of you.

Jody's phone buzzed with another text from Bill.  "I thought there was only one E in SWEAT."  This time Jody bit down on the inside of her cheek.  Phil continued:

The A stands for attitude - a good attitude.  I'll expect each of you to be pleasant every day.  No grumpy Guses or sour Sams!

"He better hope there aren't any murderous Mikes," Jody thought.

Finally, and most importantly, the T stands for triangle. 

"The T stands for what?" Jody's brained yelled inside her head.  She looked over at Bill but he was looking at Mike.  Mike was worrying his hands.  Jody glanced at John who had actually looked up from his Blackberry for the first time.  The Stooges were punching each other.

The triangle is the strongest geometric shape.  The triangle will be our symbol.

Phil was marching back and forth across the front of the room holding his hands together in the shape of a triangle.

Each month we will distribute the triangle awards for the those sellers who exhibit the most strength.  Hold your hands together in the shape of a triangle as I am doing now.

The Stooges jumped out of their seats and immediately formed triangles - holding them above their heads.  Others hesitantly started to put their hands together.

When we greet each other it will be by holding the triangle in front of our chests as a show of strength and solidarity.  That's all I have for you today.  Let's get out there and SWEAT!

The Stooges went nuts - chest bumping and  and shouting 'Triangle!" every two seconds.  Bill stood and waved to Jody to meet him outside the conference room.  Somehow, Mike had already gotten out of the room.  Most of the sellers were stunned.  Phil held his own triangle in front of him, touching triangles with each seller as they walked out the door.

Jody caught up to Bill near the break room.

"Have you ever seen anything like that?" Jody asked.

"Well, that was a little more over the top than most," Bill admitted.  "I think the best thing to do is to stay focused on helping our clients achieve their goals and don't worry too much about triangles or sweating."

That seemed like good advice to Jody although deep down she was disappointed that her quest would remain a solitary one.  "Unfortunately," she thought, "sales is kind of a lonely business."

She sighed and headed to her desk to see what she had on tap for today.