Change Can Make Champions: Recruiting & Sales Managers

In 2008 the Milwaukee Brewers made the baseball playoffs as the wild card team. It was the first time the Brewers had made the playoffs since 1982. In 2011 the Brewers won the National League Central Division championship and went back to the playoffs again.
Even through three years is a relatively short time, only five players from 2008 were on the roster in 2011:
Prince Fielder
Ricki Weeks
Craig Counsell
Cory Hart
Ryan Braun


Both teams were successful reaching the playoffs (I'm writing this before we know how far the 2011 team will go in the playoffs).
Both teams had their strengths and weaknesses. Stars like Ben Sheets, C.C. Sabathia, J.J. Hardy, and Jason Kendall are all gone. People were worried they wouldn't be able to replace the talent. Yet, the 2011 team has made the playoffs and is better team all around.

The old stars have been replaced by John Axford, Zack Grenke, and Nyger Morgan.
My point is you might have a winning sales or recruitment team in place now. That doesn't mean you should be afraid of change. Replacing weaker players with stronger ones. Replacing strong players that are past their prime and coasting. Replacing players to get a different group dynamic or increase skill sets are also ways to stay as champions. I've known sales managers who fire the lowest 10% of their staff every year as a matter of keeping everyone motivated. I've known sales managers who just hand out incentives unexpectanly for doing a good job. I've known others who good at creating internal competition. Whatever your game plan is to motivate and keep your staff on top keep doing it, but don't be afraid to try something else. You may make some mistakes, but if you learn from them you will continue to be on top and a champion.

Thanks!
Ev