Why do salespeople leave their jobs? Why do salespeople NOT leave their jobs? Why are some salespeople “stuck” in their jobs? All these questions will be answered — and more.     Consider this e-mail:

Jeffrey, first and foremost, thank you. Your newsletter and books helped me double my revenue at the beginning of the year, and have pushed me to double it and double it consistently since. Since I haven’t been able to solve this dilemma by talking with my wife, God, the postman. I though it was time to break down and ask you.

Although I am the No. 1 sales professional at my company and making great money (for the town I live in), I am miserable. These may be classic complaints and they are simple. I am dissatisfied with the company’s treatment of customers and the feeling that the sales team is the redheaded stepchild of the company.   I have seen your advice in this matter and have prospected for positions in my area to no avail. I am at the point that I am ready to walk away with no prospects of work, simply to get away and focus on getting new work and cutting losses. My problem is that I can’t let down my family, and without the ability to bring in the bread, I am afraid I would let them down. Please help.

Wow. That’s as real-world as a letter can get. Here’s the real-world response.

More people leave their jobs because they hate/disrespect their boss and/or dislike their company practices for than for any other reasons, including “more money.” Lack of recognition and appreciation are way ahead of lack of money.

If you’re in a leadership position or seeking to become a leader and things aren’t going your way, here’s what to do while you stay where you are, even if you’re planning to leave:

ï Do things that make your people proud.

ï Adopt policies and philosophies that make doing business with you a pleasure.

ï Celebrate something once a week.

ï Seek to help, not measure who did what for whom.

ï Hold town meetings. Let your people state their opinions and answer their concerns.

ï Meet with your leaders and talk frankly. Have a list and the solutions you propose to fix the situation. You have nothing to lose but your job, and you’re leaving anyway.

ï Treat fellow co-workers better than you treat customers.

These solution-oriented actions may actually change your situation for the better.

Here are a few personal rules as you make a transition:

Keep your attitude up. Instead of saying, “This sucks,” make a plan for what can be done. If nothing can be done, or if what can be done falls short of your ideals, make a plan to get out.

Keep your thoughts focused on doing your best while you’re there.

Keep your mind open to other possibilities. What would you really like to do? Why aren’t you doing that anyway?

Stay away from pity parties. If you’re dissatisfied with your job, so are others. Stay away from groaners, whiners and other non-solution-oriented people. They are a waste of your time and energy.

If you have a family, meet with them and get their ideas and their support. Your family wants the best for you. Talk to them. Get closer to the people you love in times of transition.

No risk, no reward? I say, no risk, no nothing. And if you want to risk going someplace else to follow your dreams, at least at a job where you like (love) what you do, you will have a happier disposition and a more creative mind. There are no easy answers when you’re in the heat of the fire. Follow your heart, and your wallet will catch up.

Free GitBit. If you’re considering leaving, I have some questions you’ll want to ask your next employer. They’re yours by going to www.Gitomer.com. Register if you’re a first-time user and enter the word JOB in the GitBit box.

President of Charlotte, N.C.-based Buy Gitomer, Jeffrey Gitomer gives seminars, runs annual sales meetings, and conducts Internet training programs on selling and customer service. He can be reached at (704) 333-1112 or by e-mail at salesman@gitomer.com.