3 minute read
Strengthening Salon Culture.
The vital role of team meetings and 1:1s within the hair salon.
By Sheridan Rose Shaw
When I first set out in business, I would never prioritise a team meeting or individual progress meetings. Mainly because of my previous salon experiences. We only were ever called into a team meeting if sh!t was going down – so I avoided them like the plague #conflictavoidant.
And the only 1:1’s I was ever having was if I was being held accountable for something a teenager, just isn’t equipped for #behaviourissues!
But as the weeks progressed, I leaned into my mission and vision of wanting to make a difference in the landscape of hairdressing and deep down, I knew that creating my own sacred, safe space was the whole entire agenda! That meant carving out time for the team.
My first few, I was riddled with anxiety. Like literally, had the shakes! But I remember the time that it all turned around for me. There was a client observing seeing another business working within our space who overheard the whole team meeting.
She said to me “Sheridan, you are a LEADER! And that was the most incredible thing to bear witness to. The way you hold your team is so, so special”.
It’s as if, the universe had my back, and I got a new perspective from a different angle. It changed my life. Those meetings had more power than the way I felt on the inside.
Now – I see team meetings and 1:1s as a monthly NON-NEGOTIABLE! Where we hold space for an agenda, open dialogue, where stylists share their insights and where we can troubleshoot systems and processes, together. By fostering a collaborative environment, we share a sense of unity and camaraderie, enhancing team morale and culture.
The one-on-ones, however, is me giving my team my 100% undivided attention! Which truthfully, doesn’t happen often between managing a team of 12, being a mum, an educator, running a business and expanding to another location. It’s also appropriate time for me to provide an opportunity for tailored feedback, goal setting, personal and professional development. And as a leader, that is my duty of care and responsibility! To bridge their gaps and help continually improve them individually, personally, and professionally.
I also believe, that if there is any underlying issues, having regular catchups gives space to address them before it can become too big to tackle. Which in turn equals, longer term employment.
If you haven’t incorporated monthly meetings into your salon routine. It’s really a missed opportunity to elevate your business and your team’s needs. Taking ownership and dedicating time to nurture your salon & your team can have longer, lasting benefits for all. Including our industry as a whole.
