w h a t i s a g r e a t l e a d e r ? / 2021-22 career styler
Leading the way
“A leader does not control but allows someone to grow”
The hairdressing industry is full of inspirational salon owners and managers who have grown their teams and their businesses into iconic brands. We asked a selection of top bosses what they feel makes a great leader. @brookshair
STEVE ROWBOTTOM
SALLY BROOKS
Co-Director, Westrow, Leeds
Co-Owner, Brooks & Brooks, London
Great leaders wear many hats. It isn’t about ego, but about refining your ability to nurture those in whom you see potential, helping them reach it with a clear path ahead of them. I also believe great leaders need to possess a positive mental outlook, enabling them to provide solutions to any problems a team might face, along with a crystal-clear vision which they remain true to, even throughout the inevitable bumps in the road. A great leader is also comfortable offering opportunities to those better than them, to delegate and understand their own limitations, hiring people along the way who can fill any skill gaps or complement an existing team.
@westrowhair
e r u t r
nu
A great leader can bring out the best in their team — a leader does not control but allows someone to grow. A great leader wants the people they lead to go on and do more than they have achieved, they nurture the team.
A salon is a business so it has to be treated as one. You have to know where you want to take the business and how to get there through effective decision making. Making the right decisions and being prepared to change the way you run your business is what keeps you forward thinking. One of the major attributes you need as a leader is patience – you need to listen. Embrace change and take risks.
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