Building the perfect salon team
Paul Hawes, owner of Review Hairdressing, Petersfield, Hampshire, and winner of Salon Team of the Year at HJ's 2008 British Hairdressing Business Awards, shares the secrets of his success
What is the first step in building a successful, motivated salon team?
Start with yourself - the boss. As the salon owner or manager, what is your attitude towards working as part of a team? Do you feel you work harder than everyone else, take more money than other team members but then feel threatened when others take more than you? If this is your attitude, you could be the reason why a team doesn't perform or stay with you. As a manager, you need to help and encourage others and give them as much of your time as possible. Do not feel threatened if they are more successful than you at certain elements of the job.
What qualities do you need to be a good team manager?
Being a boss is like being a parent. A team will test your patience with a mix of personalities and problems and a manager's job is to take time out to listen. Through regular and consistent appraisals, find ways of rewarding individuals and the team as a whole. Find out what motivates them - not you.
Is it important to keep staff informed of your plans?
Yes. Always inform staff of your goals for the business and provide them with targets to work towards, such as average client bills and client retention rates. Ensure the targets are monitored and make sure you recognise individual and team achievements.
How does a boss's behaviour affect that of the team?
Most of us are influenced by the behaviour of other people. A manager will influence the team with almost everything they do - laughing, listening, encouraging - all this behaviour will help create an environment that staff and clients want to be a part of - and one that will motivate and inspire your team.
How can you discipline a staff member without them or the rest of the team feeling de-motivated?
When disciplining staff, try not to react immediately, especially if you are angry. This can be demoralising not only for the staff member concerned but the team as a whole. Give yourself time to gain control of your emotions and return to the task when you are calmer and able to explain yourself rationally, clearly and privately. It's more effective, and you won't alienate the rest of the team in the process.
How can you encourage team loyalty?
You cannot have success without a loyal team. Unlike football clubs, a salon owner can't buy a successful team: you have to build it by nurturing its members. By investing in your own training and recruitment programme you can create a team with the values you want for the business. Educating staff at all levels makes them feel valued and encourages loyalty and, therefore, continuity within your team.
More Advice for Motivating Your Salon Team