Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for assessing sales-training needs?

Assessing sales-training needs is a critical process that helps identify gaps in knowledge and skills within a sales team. The recommended methods for this assessment typically involve actionable insights or firsthand observations related to the sales force's performance and customer interactions.

Surveying customers enables the identification of their needs, preferences, and experiences with the sales team, thus highlighting areas where training is needed. Observing the sales force in action provides direct evidence of their techniques, approaches, and engagement levels, which can reveal specific areas for improvement. Examining company records, such as sales performance data, customer feedback, and previous training outcomes, helps understand trends or patterns that indicate training needs.

In contrast, reading training magazines does not provide specific information about the unique needs of the sales team or insights on their actual performance. While such publications may offer general advice or trends in sales training, they lack the targeted analysis that is essential for effectively assessing the specific training needs of an organization’s sales team. Therefore, this method is not recommended for assessing sales-training needs, as it does not deliver the practical, actionable data necessary for making informed training decisions.