Very few things can destroy a business quicker that internal conflict in the salon. This can be between staff and management or between workers themselves.
The person that suffers the most when there is conflict in the salon, is the client.
The fact is EVERYBODY has the right to feel safe, to be happy, and to be successful and NOBODY has the right to take that away from them. The problem, I think, is in the word RIGHT.
Individually one has the right to have an opinion about something whether it is religion, or sexual preferences or any other principles they choose. They just don't belong in the workplace where, if you think about it, the only person who has those rights is the client.
After all we are there to satisfy THEIR problems, needs and desires, not the other way round.
What is the First, Easy Step?
The first step is to have an imaginary 'hook' outside the door onto which staff must 'hang' their personal issues. Once you enter the salon you should be totally committed to the idea 'what more can I do to make the business more successful?'
The Next Step involves Love & Respect
Everything thereafter must be guided by respect, love and passion. Respect for yourself, for your colleagues, and the right of the salon to be successful.
Love what you do and do it well.
When a client asks for a cup of coffee, she should get a cup of love.
Passion is an energy in which anything can be achieved.
Keep Everyone’s “eyes on the prize”: Focus on Opportunities & Performance Goals
Other ways of keeping morale high and everyone’s 'eyes on the prize' is by creating opportunities to give staff feedback about both the successes of the salon, and, yes, things that need to be improved. Regular staff meetings are great as long as they end on a HIGH.
Staff 'one-on-one' performance reviews allow you to focus on individual performances and should always end up with setting new performance goals. Even disciplinary action can be useful if you are able to be constructive and get the staff member to see the drop in their performance and get them to commit to improving performance.
Open Communication
Lastly there are two company policies that are really useful.
One is an open door policy where management is approachable should staff have issues they wish to discuss.
The other is a speak-up policy whereby if anyone believes a colleague or even management are doing things that are immoral or illegal or could in anyway put the business at risk, they are obliged to speak-up.
Fill your salon with respect and passion and open communication, with focus on the kind of positive vibe you want to create the safe, successful, confident environment your clients will seek out as their haven away from the rest of the world.
- Terry Miles, MD of MySalon Software
Email: info@mysalonsoftware.co.za
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