Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “work out commissions and sort out disputes”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today and, for AI fixes, a prompt to copy.

240 min
typically, once a month
60%
of the time can be automated
A small project
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Move commission calculations out of spreadsheets

CaptivateIQ, Salesforce Spiff, QuotaPath and Everstage calculate commissions from CRM data and give reps their own statements, which cuts disputes.

Typically saves about 60% of the time15 h to set up
  1. 1Write the comp plan rules down in plain words.
  2. 2Pick a tool that connects to your CRM and payroll.
  3. 3Run it next to your spreadsheet for one month to confirm the numbers match.
  4. 4Give reps access to their live statements.

Tools: CaptivateIQ · Salesforce Spiff · QuotaPath · Everstage

Fix 2 of 2

AI

Let AI build the formulas, pivots and summary

Copilot in Excel, Gemini in Sheets, or uploading the file to ChatGPT or Claude can build the pivot, the chart and the commentary in minutes.

Typically saves about 50% of the time10 min to set up
  1. 1Export or open the data.
  2. 2Ask Copilot in Excel or Gemini in Sheets, or upload the file to an approved AI assistant.
  3. 3Describe the report you want, including the breakdowns.
  4. 4Check the totals against the source before you share.
Prompt to copy
Here is [DESCRIBE THE DATA]. Build a summary that shows [THE NUMBERS YOUR MANAGER WANTS] by [BREAKDOWN], compared with [LAST PERIOD]. Give me the Excel formulas or pivot setup to reproduce it, and three sentences on what changed and why it matters.

Tools: Copilot in Excel · Gemini in Google Sheets · ChatGPT or Claude with file upload

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Sales ManagerSales Ops / RevOps

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

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Other common tasks for Sales Managers