Nurturing Strong Relationships while Running Your Salon: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Friendships and Professionalism.

By Rachel Vella

Running a salon comes with its own difficulties. One major challenge is figuring out how to be friends with your team while still being professional.

It’s like trying to balance on a thin rope – you want a close team, but you also need clear rules.

To do this, we need to look at some important areas and think about how we’re acting. I think there are three areas in our business that really affect the line between being close to our team and being “too close” to them.

1. Building Solid Connections through Shared Values

Imagine your team as a group of friends who care about the same stuff you do. When everyone’s on the same page, good things happen. Ideas flow, talking becomes easy, and your salon becomes a happy place where everyone fits in. Having things in common creates a sense of togetherness that makes your team feel special.

2. Balancing Being Friendly with Being Professional

Picture this: you’re trying to balance on a line between being friends and being serious at work. It’s fine to chat about personal things sometimes, but when it starts affecting work or giving some people special treatment, it’s time to rethink things. It’s like juggling being buddies while still getting the job done right.

3. Finding the Middle Ground

Start by making sure everyone feels included and treated fairly. Nobody should feel left out. Teach your team how to share advice in a helpful way. This helps everyone learn and grow while keeping a respectful distance. And remember, you’re the one leading the way. Show your team how to be nice while still doing things professionally.

4. Fairness for All

Remember, it’s not just about being friends – it’s about treating everyone the same way. When it’s time to decide on things like leadership roles, base your choices on what people bring to the table, not just who they hang out with. This way, your salon becomes a place where everyone knows they’re being treated fairly and with respect.

5. Striking the Right Balance

While having a close team is important, it’s also crucial to know when to draw the line. If things get too personal, it can mess up how things work. By showing respect, keeping things professional, and making sure everyone feels part of the group, you’re creating a salon where everyone works together happily and smoothly. Remember, the real magic happens when you find that perfect balance between friendship and professionalism.

In the realm of running a salon, nurturing strong relationships is a foundation of success. By navigating the delicate balance between friendship and professionalism, you’re not only cultivating a thriving salon but also a space where individuals flourish both personally and professionally.

Rachel Vella is a mentor for mastering mindset and business growth. Get in touch at connect@rachelvella.com

@mrsrachelvella