The Highs and Lows of Running a Business with Multiple Staff

By Dani Boerma

Running a business with multiple staff can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. As an entrepreneur, and salon owner the decision to expand your team opens up new opportunities and avenues for growth, but it also brings its own set of obstacles. Allow me to share my experiences and explore the highs and lows of managing a team, offering insight into what it truly means to lead a business with multiple employees.

The Highs

Increased Productivity: One of the most significant advantages of having multiple staff members is the ability to delegate tasks effectively. With more hands-on deck, businesses can accomplish more in less time. This can lead to improved efficiency and productivity, allowing the salon to take on maximum appointments to serve more clients.

Diverse Skill Sets: A diverse team brings a variety of skills and perspectives. Each staff member contributes unique strengths, whether in technical abilities, creativity, or interpersonal skills. This diversity can foster innovation, as team members collaborate and share ideas, leading to better problem solving and creative solutions.

Enhanced Employee Morale: Having a supportive team environment can significantly boost employee morale. When staff members feel they are part of a cohesive unit, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. A positive workplace culture can lead to higher job satisfaction, lower staff turnover rates, and a stronger commitment to the salons goals.

Greater Capacity for Growth: With a larger team, a business can scale up its operations more effectively. This increased capacity allows for expansion and exploration of different product lines. Additionally, a well-rounded team can provide the groundwork for future growth and sustainability.

Shared Responsibility: Running a business can be overwhelming, but having a team means sharing the load. This shared responsibility helps to alleviate stress, as tasks can be divided according to each member’s strengths. Leaders can focus on strategic planning and growth while their team manages day to day operations.

The Lows

Communication Challenges: As the team grows, so do the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings. Effective communication becomes crucial, and it can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Regular meetings and clear channels of communication can alleviate these issues, but they require time and effort to establish. Often delayed or cancelled team meetings can be detrimental to a large team.

Conflict Management: With diverse personalities and work styles, conflicts can arise among staff members. Navigating disputes can be time consuming and stressful for a leader. It’s essential to foster a culture of respect and open dialogue to resolve conflicts amicably and maintain a positive work environment.

Increased Administrative Tasks: Managing a larger team often means more paperwork and administrative responsibilities. From payroll to performance reviews, the logistical side of running a salon can become difficult. Leaders must balance these tasks while ensuring they remain focused on the core goals of the business.

Training and Development: Onboarding new staff members requires time and resources. Investing in training is essential for ensuring that employees are well equipped to perform their roles effectively. However, this process can strain existing staff and may temporarily slow down productivity, compromising the salon culture and client expectations.

Financial Implications: Hiring multiple employees comes with financial responsibilities, from wages to bonuses. While a larger team can drive growth, it also requires careful financial planning to ensure that the business remains profitable. Sudden changes in revenue can create pressure on a business’s finances, making it crucial for leaders to budget wisely.

I’m sure now you would agree that running a salon with multiple staff members is a journey filled with both highs and lows. While the potential for increased productivity, diverse skill sets, and shared responsibilities offers significant rewards, challenges such as communication barriers, conflict management, and financial implications cannot be overlooked. Successful leaders must navigate these dynamics with empathy, clear communication, and strategic planning to foster a thriving work environment that drives the business forward. By embracing the complexities, salon owners can build strong, resilient businesses ready for success.

For mentoring contact dani@totalcoachingacademy.com