Blog Spot - With Sam Squires

Culture eats strategy for Breakfast

Here we are, the final edition for the year and what a year it has been. We weathered the storm of covid and are finishing the year on a high in the men’s hair and barber industry. Numerous amazing awards taken out by unbelievable talent and the community has never been stronger.

I would like to finish this series with some gratitude and an insight into the reality of barbering and owning businesses in the men’s hair space. I feel like overcoming the trials and tribulations placed in front of us all during the pandemic and the stand still pause we all experienced on the rapid growth in men’s hair is behind us.

It’s safe to say we hit the other side running and the amount of collaboration and community in the barber industry is at an all-time high which has added value to the barber and men’s hair culture. So, a big thankyou to the industry leaders, influencers, publications, and companies that are contributing to this.

This blog will touch on culture.

Someone once said, culture eats strategy for breakfast.

The cultural norms within our businesses and industry can completely define and encourage what is accepted within a group. My belief is that within the industry although there are many cultures and many ways to skin fade a cat. Building a strong culture is a must and integral to the success within your business.

By following the same high standards for our employees, industry, education platforms and treatment from business owners, our strong business cultures can endure any issue and grow leaders that understand a bigger picture within your company and the industry as a whole.

Below I want to outline some tips on creating and maintaining a positive barbershop culture:

DEFINE YOUR CULTURE

Sometimes defining your culture can stem from before you have even started your barber business and can seep into aspects of design and procedures. Defining your culture and understanding questions like: WHY - Why are you in this industry and what are you looking to contribute and achieve. WHO - Who do you look up to and admire and what are they standing for and working towards in their business culture. WHAT - What characteristics do you value in your personal life that are transferable to your business life?

EMPOWER THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Taking on the right people who can display an understanding for your culture and goals is integral. If you hire people who don’t understand your aims, they’ll often clash with the culture and bring down those in your business that have a similar mindset to you. The same goes to your clients, and being transparent within your brand will attract the right kind of clients to your business.

CHECK IN WITH STAFF

Regularly checking in with your staff and managers is something that can aid in the maintenance of a positive team culture. Giving people a sense of ownership and input into the movement of your business and taking into consideration recommendations.

Meetings don’t have to be all doom and gloom and addressing negative aspects of the business. This is also a good time that you can outline and communicate expectations to staff around business. A decent understanding of what needs to be done keeps staff in the loop and not feeling lost and out of touch and reinforces a positive behaviour.

TEAM INVESTMENT

One awesome way of keeping a positive barbershop culture is showing how much you appreciate and support your staff, especially in times like these where finding quality barbers and staff members seems to be impossible. Showing support in staff members achievements and wins and being there for them in their losses and defeats can cement how much they mean to you and your business.

Investing in continuous growth and development shows your staff you care but also instils responsibility in keeping high standards within our industry. Thanks for reading my Blogs Spots over this year’s issues of Barbershop Mag.

Cheers, Sam Squires

@Samthebarberman Founder Backbone Barbershop Group @BackboneBarbershop @BackbonebarbershopBurleigh Backbone Barber Education @BackboneBarberEducation