The business of making staff happy - jon macleod's business extra

Jon MacLeod can remember the moment he decided he wanted to be a hairdresser. He was 14 and had just had a hair cut that transformed him from gawky to gorgeous. 

It made him realise that hairdressing was his dream job. Not because of the creativity, but because of the people and the way you could make them feel about themselves.

Jon no longer cuts hair, but as the business owner of Paterson SA it is still all about making people feel good about themselves: his team.

He told his Salon Business Extra audience that he has created a pledge which he uses to keep his staff happy and motivated.

• I aim to inspire my team continually
• I aim to build trust with the entire team
• I aim to give recognition and praise
• I aim to motivate
• I aim to always be fair.
• I aim to make my team feel secure in my leadership.

These are the simple steps he has implemented to fulfil his pledge.

• Friday morning meeting
  
  Each member of the team shares their figures for the week and we recognise anyone who has done well. Most weeks there is also a training topic to keep the team up to speed on anything new. 
• 360 degree reviews
  
  I appraise all my staff using a combination of figures and feedback from a manager, another stylist and an assistant. Staff are always warned that their review is on the horizon to avoid any nasty surprises
• An internal newsletter
  
  The Informer shares the news from all four Paterson SA salons and has stopped Chinese whispers being passed from one salon to the next. It is also a platform to publish creative work and figures to satisfy the team's desire for praise and recognition.
• Goal Charts
  
  Each member of staff is encouraged to create a chart that outlines their objectives for the year and is pinned on the staff room wall. This enables Jon to really get to know the person and their motivations. It is also an effective way to monitor which initiatives are working. 
• PSA Conference
  
  This is a great opportunity for everyone across the business to get together and be updated on progress from the last 12 months. There are also 17 awards to reward the company's Business and Creative Stars.
• Seasonal trend reports
  
  Giving the staff all the tools they need to recognised and create the key looks of the season helps to build trust in the management team and reduces the chances of them being caught out by fashion-forward clients.
• An Evening with...
  
  If a member of the team has a talent they are invited to host their own skills evening to share that gift. This boosts the individual's confidence and is the ultimate recognition for their hard work.
• Strong boundaries
  
  The rules have to be the rules for every member of the team no matter whether they are a favourite or someone who brings in a lot of money. Boundaries make people secure, so if you start with them and build everything else around them you are well on your way to a happy team.