How to demonstrate perfect leadership skills
Speaking at Paul Mitchell's The Gathering 2010 in Las Vegas, Winn Claybaugh, dean of Paul Mitchell schools, told delegates: "Leadership is not a position, it's a mindset - an attitude. As a boss, if you are putting out ego-driven leadership, then you are going to attract ego-driven stylists."
Winn put the following question to delegates: "As a leader what message are you putting out?"
He offered the following advice on how to 'put out' the right message:
Stop looking so busy
However busy you are, when you arrive at the salon, don't walk past all your staff and clients and close the office door. If you do, what will the buzz be in the salon that day? The team and clients will all be talking about what a bad mood you're in. This will damage sales and creativity - the work of the team as a whole will be affected.
Celebrate your people
Stop thinking that your best asset is your location or your marketing programme. Your best asset is your people. Whenever I finish speaking to my boss, he asks: 'Is there anything more I can do for you?' It's about adopting a servant's heart.
Old school leadership is to dictate and manipulate. Without praising your people, all you are doing is engaging their time. They will show up when they have to and collect their wages.
Create a loving environment
As a boss you need to be available and approachable. You need to realise that you are like a conductor of an orchestra and that one swoop of your baton can have a powerful affect. The words that just tumble out of your mouth can destroy people, or send them soaring and create loyalty beyond belief.
Make sure your team is having fun
If you value your staff they will have fun. When staff are having fun creativity sky rockets and absenteeism diminishes. Creating a happy environment needs to be a daily priority in your salon. If staff is in good spirits this will create an enjoyable environment for everyone, including clients, which can only be good for business.
