Creating the perfect salon team

A cohesive team is one of the most crucial factors in developing a successful salon, but what does it take to nurture one? Who better to ask than the finalists of the Salon Team of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards? Dawn Reilly of Balmain, who sponsor the Salon Team of the Year asks:

"What are the three most important elements to creating the perfect salon team?"

Michael Van Clarke, Michael Van Clarke*

1. Commitment - to each other and the vision we have.
2. Integrity - living in alignment with the values we share
3. Transparency - openness of information and no hidden agendas"

Sean Hanna, Sean Hanna

1. Your team should be focussed on a common goal - this is how a team can be empowering, when all the team are focused on the same outcome, while each person understands their individual contribution.
2. Communication is essential for outstanding performance - the team should be aware how they are doing at all times, the key measures of their performance should be simple and easy to understand.
3. Fun - staying on track towards achieving a great goal or objective require both focus and energy, so it's important that team leaders introduce a healthy element of fun.

Wil & Shannon Fleeson, Rainbow Room International, Glasgow There are many essential elements to creating the perfect team but I believe these are the three key ingredients.

1. Passion
2. Leadership
3. Communication.

With good, strong leadership, the team will be passionate about their roles, their fellow team members and clients. Clear communication means that everyone understands what the common goal is and will aim for this together. This is what being part of a team is about. Jen & Tony Deighton, Toni&Guy, Sunderland

1. The most important factor in creating the perfect team in our opinion is unity.
2. The team also need to respect each other as hairdressers and professionals in the business.
3. This comes from us as managers working together as one."

Ian Hendry, Maxwells Hairdressing & Beauty I believe the three most important elements to creating the perfect salon team are:

1. Sharing a common purpose - you have to share the same dream, be proud, be conscientious, and respectful of each others' roles and responsibilities.
2. Synergy through coordinated effort - work together; support each other...not only when you need to....but because you want to. Play your part, but most importantly you have to be prepared to 'step up!' (and sweep up, wash up... whoever you are).
3. Maximise on strengths and weaknesses - highlight and nurture strengths; create a team of specialist positions with real responsibility and ownership. Celebrate the honesty of weakness; it will breed success and achievement. Encourage everyone to take on the responsibility to ask for help and support.

* Michael Van Clarke's London and Bridal teams have both been shortlisted as finalists for the Salon Team of the Year Award. More Advice for Creating a Perfect Salon Team

• How to build an award-winning salon team
• Making the most of team meetings
• Holding one-to-one meetings with your staff
• Top tips for a fit and healthy salon team
• Using your salon stars to boost business