Michael van clarke - be an inspirational boss
Michael Van Clarke's reputation as an incredibly astute businessman - he's got a clutch of British Hairdressing Business Awards to prove it - ensured a packed seminar room for his session at Salon International's Business Extra.
Michael began his presentation with a warning - "Be aware of the difference between truth and an opinion."
Continued Michael: "An example of this is a member of staff who tells you they managed something when, in fact, they were just involved and don't actually have the skills or the drive to do it. People say things with such conviction - 'the world is flat' or 'I don't suit a fringe' when in fact it's not true."
And then, with his subtle sense of humour, Michael added: "Today I am going to deliver my beliefs with such conviction you will believe they are facts - so beware."
Michael offered delegates a short history of his career, from his first encounter with hairdressing, filming at The World Hairdressing Congress at the Royal Albert Hall while studying his A-Levels. "That day I decided I was going into hairdressing. I finished my A-Levels and went to work with John Frieda on £15 per week."
After a "fantastic 10 years" with John Frieda, Michael decided to go it alone and bought a site in the prestigious London area of Marylebone. The day the salon opened Michael had three members of staff - including his girlfriend and sister - the salon was 5,000 sq ft with room for 50 staff!
Finding the right staff was a priority from day one, Michael told delegates.
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast," he said. "You can have the best laid plans but if the team isn't 100% behind you they are not going to happen. I love money, but I love the environment where I work and the people I work with even more.
When people focus too much on being the best rather than their best it can have a detrimental effect on their health. I don't agree with the concept that you can only win if someone else loses."
The core values behind the Michael Van Clarke culture are:
- Put more in than you take out
- Make it an entertaining experience for clients
- Believe we are all special find your unique gift and share it
- Always aim to get better
- Be prepared to take risks
- Live with integrity
- Have fun being successful
Investment in staff is ongoing with training both inside and outside the salon a priority, team building days a regular feature and staff always encouraged to work towards achieving their goals.
But something salon owners should never forget was to ensure they were inspired themselves, warned Michael.
"As a leader it's your job to stay inspired, not just for yourself but for those around you," he said.
Too many salon owners lost their passion too soon and failed to reach their full potential, said Michael. "Many businesses dies a slow death because the owner gets bored."
Having heard Michael's inspirational presentation, all those salon owners present were ready to return to their businesses and realise their full potential - and push their staff to do the same.
Find out more about the Business Extra seminars
