Struggling to keep your stylists motivated as a salon owner?
That’s a tough one. What today’s 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 aren’t sure how.
Today, let’s 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 can’t motivate everybody. It’s actually impossible to create drive in a person who doesn’t want to have it. They’ve got to have that drive, that little grumble in their belly.
Here’s 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 it’s not going to happen.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to motivate your team. You should always try to motivate and inspire your team. That’s your job as their leader. But there is only so much you can do if your team member isn’t 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 they’re making an impact, whether it’s on their community, family, or salon team.
Wins
Stylists can feel unmotivated when they feel like their opinions don’t matter. It’s 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 it’s you leaving notes at your team members’ 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 doesn’t 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, it’s important for you to identify what motivates each person on your team. That’s 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!