Creating a Stellar Staff - Working Toward a Common Goal! by: Alejandra Crissafuli As a life coach and business trainer I often hear from my clients just how much they feel held hostage in their business. Like they just cant get out of always being the one to do all the work, the feeling of working for the team not the team working together toward a common goal. Have you ever felt like a hostage in your business? If you have, you aren't alone. It is quite common to feel like you are working for your employees rather than
everyone working together toward a common vision. Too many salon owners have sacrificed their own business in simply doing what everyone else does and giving too much because they think that's the only way to make it work. Why do we do this? Think about it, in beauty school was there no "Synergy Team Building 101". But know this—all businesses can create, grow and maintain a synergistic flow that will have a stellar team working together in harmony. There are 3 simple ways that will allow you to do this.
Step 1: Start an Apprentice Program Apprenticeship programs are methods that combine actual work experience with classroom related instruction. These programs ensure that the worker is skilled in the occupation and is capable of learning the techniques, methods, and structures of your business with the highest standards of conduct. There is a written agreement between the apprentice and the employer, which acknowledges their joint commitment to the training process. These programs dramatically reduce turnover and improve the employer/employee relationships from the beginning. As an employer you experience economic benefits because they are derived from your eligibility to pay apprentice wages. In some states, you may also be entitled to tax credits if you hire people who meet specific criteria and if your business is located in specific areas. For the apprentice this is just as valuable because they know they have jobs security. By working for an employer who values life long learning, apprentices become invested in improving their skills and in achieving a Certificate of Completion. Because apprentices not only learn the techniques of a trade but also understand why they do what they do everyone will benefit. The truth about apprentices: Good problem solvers Work better as team members Demonstrate better interpersonal skills Become skilled, motivated craft workers with a strong work ethic who are well versed in company policy Average better attendance Possess the latest technological skills and fill critical needs Step 2: Leverage Your Talent The second way is to Leverage Your Talent. Talent is a combination of many factors, one of which is behavior. Behaviors are the ways in which we act. To leverage your team by using their behaviors to create growth and success is key in having a stellar team. To successfully leverage your talent you must understand each employee's unique personal talents or behaviors. Behavioral research suggests that the most effective people are those who understand themselves, both their strengths and weaknesses, so they can develop strategies to meet the demands of their environment. A person's behavior is a necessary and integral part of not only who they are but how they create the environment within the salon or spa. It is the universal language of "how we act," that will make or break your growth within the salon. Use the talents you already have. Step 3: Institute a Mentor Program The third way is by having a mentor culture within the salon or spa. More than ever before, organizations, large and small, are looking outside traditional mentoring paradigms to raise the bar by creating a mentoring culture within the business. A mentoring culture continuously focuses on building the businesses capacity, competence, and capability of the organization by involving the entire team. Each team member has the ability to create readiness for others within the organization, facilitating multiple mentoring opportunities, which empower the team and by building in support mechanisms to ensure individual and organizational success by the team, not just the owner or manger. In a mentoring culture the main focuses are accountability, consistency, communication, value and visibility. Each team member is empowered to share the knowledge they posses no matter what their skill level is. We teach what we ourselves must learn. This creates a team that works with each other for each other and toward a common goal. Every owner has at point felt or experience a time in their business where they wish they had the tools to create the business they envisioned. Its not as hard as you may think and can come quite easily if you are willing to turn the mirror around a take a look at why your business is the way it is. Only you can change it! If you would like more information or support on how to turn your team into a stellar staff all working toward a common goal you contact us at www.milady.cengage.com or call us at Phone: (760) 929-2600. Alejandra Crisafulli has been in the salon industry for over 10 years. Her mastery of the industry has come as a result of many years in management and consulting training. Against all odds, this single parent built her own consulting business and now joins the Milady team as a Life Coach. Partnering with her customers in implementing solid procedures to raise profitability and client base brings her job satisfaction and pride. Sincerity and authenticity lead to her enthusiasm and passion for growth in others' lives.