Struggling to keep your stylists motivated as a salon owner?
Thatโs a tough one. What todayโs top stylists want has changed dramatically, making it hard for salon leaders who want to draw the best of the best into their business, but arenโt sure how.
Today, letโs break down the top 4 things salon leaders can do to keep their stylists motivated and driven.
Make a mindset shift
First, you have to recognize that you canโt motivate everybody. Itโs actually impossible to create drive in a person who doesnโt want to have it. Theyโve got to have that drive, that little grumble in their belly.
Hereโs the thing about drive: it only shows up if there is need, desire, and/or passion for something. All those factors have to be there or itโs not going to happen.
That doesnโt mean you shouldnโt try to motivate your team. You should always try to motivate and inspire your team. Thatโs your job as their leader. But there is only so much you can do if your team member isnโt ready.
What motivates people to do good work?
Purpose
We are living in the purpose generation right now. People want to do what makes them feel like they are making an impact. Meaning, those in your salon space need to feel like theyโre making an impact, whether itโs on their community, family, or salon team.
Wins
Stylists can feel unmotivated when they feel like their opinions donโt matter. Itโs not motivating to feel like the owner wants things to go a certain way, and their needs are unimportant.
Give them the opportunity to win. Maybe itโs you leaving notes at your team membersโ stations, a $5 Starbucks gift card, a quick text message. Whatever it is, make sure they feel appreciated and like they serve a purpose in your building.
Compassionate leadership
Compassionate leadership means understanding the needs of your people and offering empathy. It doesnโt mean changing your business structure, but understanding that your team are human beings and giving grace when you can.
And it all starts with you. You have to give yourself some more grace and compassion as the leader.
Create individual and group motivators
People are motivated in different ways. Some stylists might love playing a team game, some might want individual benchmarks, some might like a combo of both. As the leader, itโs important for you to identify what motivates each person on your team. Thatโs how you give them a chance to show up in a way that they feel like they won.
The bad news is drive cannot be created by you. The good news is if you have tools and strategies, you can help your team create it within themselves.
Want to learn how to be an exceptional, inspirational leader? Check out Thriving Leadership Method!