5 Leadership Hacks for the New Year.
By David Watts
Leadership? Yeah, it’s been talked about a lot. But let’s be real, for salon owners, it’s often like staring into a foggy mirror—fuzzy and unclear. Think about all the leaders you’ve crossed paths with—bosses, politicians, teammates, the lot. Some made you feel like you could conquer the world, while others made you want to hide. Those experiences? They have filtered into your leadership style, for better or worse. Here’s the thing—some salon owners hold back on being leaders. They’re worried about messing up team dynamics. But here’s the kicker: dodging leadership messes with accountability, and that’s toxic for your salon. Remember how you felt with good and bad leaders? Your team’s going to feel the same under your guidance. And let’s face it, salons can be a pressure cooker, making bad leadership calls can be common than not. Honestly, No one wakes up thinking, “Today, I’ll be a lousy leader.” Most owners are all about growth, asking themselves, “How can I do better?” That’s where the magic lies—in wanting to change and grow. Here’s the real talk—leadership isn’t a textbook lesson. It’s about making actual changes in your salon every single day. You can’t read one article and suddenly become a superstar leader any more than buying fancy scissors turns you into a top stylist.
Leadership Hack #1 - Kill your judgment. Your salon is a mix of creativity and bold personalities. With the right vibe, you’ll be unstoppable. Build a culture that tosses out blame and perfectionism, giving your team the guts to be innovative. Being a leader isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real. Talking to your team is cool, but listening? That’s the real power move. Ask more questions, listen more, talk less. Your team wants honesty and realness. Encourage them to speak up. Mistakes happen; that’s just part of growth. Encourage a culture where team members feel safe owning up to errors without fear of blame. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement. Your job? Boosting your team’s confidence. Great leaders bring out the best in others. They help their team grow without needing to be their coach, therapist, or teacher—just a leader blending those roles. 76
Hair Biz Year 18 Issue 1
Leadership Hack #2 – Communicate Authentically Authentic communication starts with being open about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Share your successes, struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. When you’re genuine, it encourages your team to reciprocate. Regularly provide feedback that’s constructive and honest. When giving praise, be specific about what you appreciate. When addressing areas for improvement, do so in a supportive manner, focusing on growth rather than criticism.
Establish an environment where team members feel safe expressing themselves. Encourage open dialogue, assuring them that their opinions and ideas are valued. You need to meet solo with each team member every week. Put yourself in their shoes, understand their feelings and perspectives. Authentic communication involves empathy, showing genuine care and consideration for your team’s experiences and emotions. As a leader, showcasing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness. Admitting when you don’t have all the answers or when you’ve made mistakes humanizes you and makes you more relatable.
