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.

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.

When appropriate, share personal stories that are relevant and insightful. These anecdotes can inspire, teach, or provide context. They show your team that you’re not just a leader but a person who’s been through similar experiences.

Leadership Hack #3 – Be Emotionally Intelligent

Emotional Intelligence starts with knowing your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. Being self-aware allows you to manage your emotions better and understand how they influence your actions and decisions.

Control your impulses and managing disruptive emotions. As a leader, practicing self-regulation helps in handling stressful situations calmly and making more thoughtful decisions, setting a positive example for your team.

Show some empathy, this is how you understand and resonate with others’ emotions. It involves actively listening, picking up on non-verbal cues, and showing genuine concern for your team’s well-being.

The more emotionally intelligent you are as a leader the better you will navigate situations and make salon life a lot calmer.

Leadership Hack #4 – Be Consistent

Consistency breeds predictability. When your team knows what to expect from you, it fosters a sense of stability and reliability. This predictability creates an environment where your team feels secure and confident in your leadership.

Consistent actions build trust. When you consistently follow through on commitments, communicate openly, and treat everyone fairly and equally, you instil trust among your team members. They rely on your consistency to guide them.

Your consistent behaviour sets the tone for the salon’s culture. Whether it’s sticking to your values, maintaining standards, or enforcing policies, your consistency in upholding these elements shapes the salon’s identity.

Consistency in expectations and standards eliminates confusion. When your team knows what’s expected consistently, they can align their efforts accordingly, leading to higher performance and productivity.

Consistency in holding everyone—yourself included—accountable for their actions and responsibilities maintains fairness. It shows that rules apply consistently to everyone, promoting a sense of equity among team members.

Consistency in positive reinforcement, acknowledgment of achievements, and providing feedback nurtures a positive work environment. It encourages your team to perform at their best consistently.

Leadership Hack #5 – Self Mastery

Self-mastery is the path to becoming the best version of yourself, both as a leader and as an individual.

Self-mastery begins with a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, expanding knowledge, or gaining insights, a continuous learning mindset propels personal growth.

Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and triggers is fundamental.

Self-awareness enables you to navigate challenges, make better decisions, and understand how you impact others.

Resilience comes from self mastery it’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It also encourages adaptability, allowing you to embrace change and lead your team effectively.

It requires discipline. Cultivate habits that support your growth—whether it’s daily routines, learning rituals, or practices that enhance your emotional intelligence.

Achieving self-mastery brings a sense of fulfilment and purpose. It enables you to live in alignment with your values, leading to a more satisfying and meaningful life.

It is a lifelong journey, your commitment to continual improvement and personal excellence. It’s about understanding yourself, honing your skills, and cultivating qualities that empower you to lead and inspire others effectively.

Keep growing, because in this journey of leading, we’re not just unlocking our own potential but also the endless possibilities in our salons.

David XoX

Head of Coaching at Freedom Mastery, David has a diverse background in sales, marketing and operations and is passionate about improving the professionalism of the industry. Contact David via email david@freedommastery.com.au or DM on Instagram @davidwatts_freedomcreator