Stepping Out to Step Up: Why Immersing Yourself in Other Parts of the Business Makes You Better at What You Do

There’s something powerful about stepping outside of your daily responsibilities and immersing yourself in another facet or area of your organization — and I recently had the privilege of doing just that. As someone who is focused on talent acquisition, I took a leap outside of my recruiter lane and hit the road for an impactful adventure with one of my company’s incredible Sales Consultants. And it was eye-opening in the very best way!

From the moment I boarded that pre-dawn flight, I knew this would be more than just a ride-along. It was a chance to truly understand the heartbeat of our business: the people in the field building relationships, navigating challenges, and representing our brand with authenticity and hustle every single day.

Throughout our travels across Missouri and Kansas, I saw firsthand the resilience, resourcefulness, and personal touch it takes to be successful on the road. From lifting heavy sample bags and making cold calls to remembering personal details about practice managers (like a baby on the way!) — it’s the small things that build trust and open doors.

The accounts we visited were more than just business stops. They were opportunities for connection. I watched my colleague celebrate wins, gracefully handle rejections, and nurture relationships built over years of care. I saw how simple gestures, like handing out branded t-shirts or sharing a story about my son’s favorite frames could brighten someone’s day and spark meaningful conversation.

It clearly reminded me that sales isn’t just about the product — it’s centered on the people. And that key lesson applies across organizations and responsibilities. 

One of my favorite stops was at a pediatric practice decked out with eye-level mirrors and a Squishmallow station (yes — a Squishmallow station!). It was a joyful, welcoming space and a perfect example of how thoughtful details can create memorable experiences for patients and leave a lasting impact.

Beyond the client visits, I was struck by the seamless teamwork behind the scenes. Our Sales Support team, work in tandem to ensure the sales professional has everything needed to succeed on the road. The coordination, communication, and genuine care are centered on ensuring success across our team and that was inspiring to witness.

What this trip reinforced for me is that stepping outside of your everyday role can provide tremendous perspective, which makes you better at what you do. As a recruiter, I now have a deeper appreciation for the skill sets, personalities, and mindset needed to thrive in sales — and I’ll be better equipped to identify and attract top talent because of it.

To my fellow Optical Women’s Association members:

I encourage you to find ways to step outside of your function, even for a day. Sit in on a customer service call. Spend time in your warehouse. Shadow a sales rep. Attend a cross-departmental meeting. 

It will open your world up in unexpected ways, and you’ll return to your role with fresh perspective, new empathy, and ideas to strengthen your organization.

I have the opportunity to learn daily thanks to our sales team and the conversations I engage in each day.  This road mission took that learning to an entirely new level and I am so thankful that I was welcomed into their world.  Experiencing the heart behind the hustle was positively impactful. Our sales friends are truly the unsung heroes of our industry.

Here’s to embracing new experiences, building deeper connections, and continuing to learn from one another.

Written by Madalyn Moeller