Performance Signals · Finding 14 of 16

Which competencies differentiate top sales performers?

Finding
Execution habits, not closing ability. For Account Executives the largest top-to-bottom gaps are growth mindset (+11.9 points), time management (+10.4) and prospecting (+10.2).

The data

Role group
Competency
Gap
Account Executives
Growth mindset
+11.9
Account Executives
Time management
+10.4
Account Executives
Prospecting
+10.2
SDRs
Objection handling
+8.4
SDRs
Market knowledge
+7.7
SDRs
Rapport building
+6.6
CS / Account Managers
Account expansion
+18.4
CS / Account Managers
Negotiation
+14.5
CS / Account Managers
Strategy
+13.7

What it means for revenue leaders

The performance gap is prospecting consistency, time discipline and pipeline hygiene — not closingability. These are coachable habits, not traits you have to hire for. The AE programme and the CS/AMprogramme should not be the same programme.

How this was measured

Capability score differences between top-tier and bottom-tier performers within each role group, measured on the 0–100 composite index.
Source: Global Sales Capability Index 2026 (Uhubs). Based on 500,000+ dual-scored sales capability assessments across 45 countries and 30+ role types, 2020–2026. Published April 2026.
Download the full Global Sales Capability Index 2026
40 pages of benchmark data and analysis.
Download full report

The reasons behind your revenue. Not just the results

Turn potential into performance.  
Download free. Instant access.
The first global benchmark of sales execution quality

Fill in your details and we'll unlock the full 40-page report immediately.

No spam. No unsolicited calls. Used only to send you this report and future editions of the Index.

Global Sales Capability Index 2026
Back to the page
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
close