[gap height=”20″]They say the difference between the average salon and a super salon is its staff. No matter what the industry or job type, staffing problems tend to be the same – lack of motivation and teamwork, poor sales performance – the list goes on.
[gap height=”20″]The difference between the average salon and super salons is that they identify their team’s weaknesses and correct them before they become larger problems. One way to ensure that you and your staff are on the same page is to have monthly meetings. This month, I talked to David Givans, owner of Island Tanz in Crosby, TX about how he keeps his team motivated and what he does during meetings to keep them fun, exciting, and focused on growth.
[gap height=”20″]Consistency is key. David holds team meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, from 7-9pm. “When you schedule meetings for the weekend, staff can feel as though it’s punishment,” David says. Because it’s held on the same day and time every month and staff is aware of this upon being hired, it doesn’t cause many scheduling conflicts. It also tends to be a slower time in the salons, so they don’t need to close early or stay late. David also pays his staff for attending, something I strongly agree with. “When they are being paid, you can demand their undivided attention – no cell phones – and you can make the meetings mandatory,” he explains. He usually picks up a cookie-cake or pizza for the meeting to celebrate any upcoming staff birthdays or work anniversaries.
[gap height=”20″]First on the Island Tanz meeting agenda is a game, which helps the team feel more at ease. A couple of David’s games include “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” or “Jeopardy,” with questions pertaining to his salon, equipment or products they sell. A typical prize is a mani/pedi gift certificate or restaurant gift card. (Google it – there are PowerPoint downloads for these games; just tailor the questions to apply to your business.) “The staff gets excited before the meeting, because they don’t know what the game or prize will be,” David says.
[gap height=”20″]The first hour of each team meeting includes training refreshers and the game David has prepared, and the second hour covers upcoming salon promotions, as well as things each staff member could improve upon.
[gap height=”20″]“In the second hour, we do something called The Good, The Bad & The Ugly,” David shares. When he explained this to me, I really liked the concept. Prior to the meeting, he prepares information regarding performance, work ethic, cleanliness, punctuality. He tells each staff member something they are doing well (the good), something that they can improve on (the bad) and something that needs immediate correction (the ugly). I asked David if his staff gets embarrassed by hearing about their shortcomings in front of their teammates. He said that they discussed whether or not these should be private meetings, and they all agreed that they work as a team, and if they are all aware of how each team member can do better, it helps them stay on track in making those necessary changes. “At the end of the meeting, I ask for input on sales ideas or promotions for the following month. I’ve found that when they feel more involved in the planning process, my team tends to do better with sales.”
[gap height=”20″]No matter how, when or what you do to keep your staff on the same page, consistency is key! Constant re-education, positive reinforcement, as well as constructive and helpful criticism makes for a strong and well-rounded team. The more we appreciate our staff and reward their loyalty, hard work and dedication, the less they serve as merely staff and the more they transform into your best brand ambassadors. Always remember … brains, just like hearts, go where they’re appreciated.
