6 Things To Work On Before You Hire Your Next Team Member

Here’s a taste of six areas I will addressing in Part One of my upcoming book, Interdependent Leadership: Creating A Salon Culture of Inclusive Growth.

In my experience coaching salons and spas throughout the last 23 years, working on these areas are more important than hiring someone new. The ability for any salon/spa leader to focus here first and then look to hire someone will is smart business.

Take the below areas and rate each on a scale of 1-10. One meaning it doesn’t exist at all in the business or you spend little time focused on it, up to a 10 which means it is a powerful aspect of the business. The rating will point you in the direction you can focus on to make improvements.

1. Culture: The culture (common & articulated core values, beliefs, vision and mission) either attracts new hires hungry to work in the environment or it makes people head for the exits.
2. Inclusion: The existing team either plays an active part in the successful operation of the business or just shows up, does what’s on their schedule and goes home.
3. Time: Salon and spa owners are typically the busiest technician working in their business, spending the bulk of their time serving customers, leaving little to no room to lead, collaborate, innovate or create with their team.
4. Lack of Systems: The business lacks systems or procedures that help new hires acclimate to the business with ease and empowerment.
5. Consistent Education: Owners and managers do not invest time, resources or money into creating and executing a monthly education calendar that supports the team to grow technically, personally and professionally.
6. Leadership: Many of the above issues meld together to limit the salon or spa owner to lead at a level that retains existing team members, attracting new talent and building a strong culture of empowered, autonomous, accountable, innovating technicians.

Remember, retention and culture first, recruiting second! Create an environment that inspires your existing team and you’ll attract the type of people that want to be part of your culture! They win and you win!