Uncertain Times Call For Certain Leadership

As someone who was coached myself I came to learn and espouse that it’s not the situation or circumstance I am dealing with that matters as much as it is who I am being. How I relate to things has my approach be empowering or dis-empowering. In all of my years coaching salons and spas I have supported professionals to adopt this critical approach to leadership.

Now, more than ever before, this approach must be the calling card of every salon and spa owner. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times leaders must be certain about who they are, what they stand for and what they are fighting for. After all, everything is at stake.

I have had a unique vantage point these last few months as a coach through my support of salons all across the country who have re-opened to see many successes and many challenges. Salons have faced everything from inspections to walkouts; from breakthrough sales the first month to a tapering off of sales thereafter; from team members following through to team members questioning their authority & decision making.

If you’re a salon or spa owner and you’re reading this you can relate with what I am writing and I am here to remind you of who you are, of what you have fought so hard to create and to urge you to keep up the fight.

No matter if it has been smooth sailing or choppy, if you are moving along at a good pace or you are struggling as a leader here are some reminders and actions to help you strength your resolve!

1. Get back to what you value and lead from there. Your values and standards have gotten you this far and they can give you the spirit and energy to carry each day. Do not compromise them for an immediate gain or to please anyone.
2. Culture is everything! Give your team a clear picture of the playing field and get them helping you. Now is not the time to worry about how they will take the realities. The tough one’s will understand and appreciate your honesty while feeling valued and appreciate by your action. Those that don’t have the backbone can gain some by your leadership or move on if they aren’t up to the fight, and that is ok too.
3. Over communicate! Let the team know where the business is at and what it needs from them. Meet with your team regularly in meetings, huddles and one-on-one’s. Do not let these important functions fall out of place due to busyness.
4. Be a cheerleader! Celebrate the smallest successes and the biggest. Positive news is great news and it creates momentum.
5. Hold the team accountable! No wiggle room, if you step over things you lose your cultural identity and the team will begin to question your leadership. And remember to take your personal feelings and opinions out of the accountibility conversation. Your frustration is not as important as holding them to the system and having them learn a lesson.
6. Expect the unexpected! Think long term with this crisis. Hoping it ends soon is nice but it sets you up for frustration when challenges arise. We see that this week in California as salons were closed a second time. We must have resolve and strengthen ourselves for the road ahead.
7. Be accessible! If you own the business but are spending the bulk of your time with clients you are in the wrong place. Scale back at least 2 hours a day to be available to your team and to observe what is occurring. This is a must. You have never had to run your business like this before so it is critical that you give your business and team the time and attention it desperately needs from you!

If I have struck a nerve then it’s time to act. One thing you can do is stay connected to me. Follow me on Instagram: @saloncoachsjg and on Facebook: Stephen J Gomez where I lead live conversations weekly with industry leaders to support us all to grow. I also launched a new weekly conversation, Certain Leadership In Uncertain Times. Each week I will connect with a different leader to gain their perspective and knowledge to support us all to navigate these times. I look forward to having you join me and I also look forward to seeing you all grow through these times!