New staff, new ethos: Creating a winning salon team

Although recruitment is challenging in our sector (particularly at the moment), it’s very interesting how freshening up the team can not only add a new dynamic but enhance the performance of the existing staff. There is a quote that the culture of any organisation is shaped by the worst behaviour the leader is willing to tolerate. Nothing will kill a great employee faster than watching you tolerate a bad one if you’re a boss.

So allowing natural shedding of employees or getting rid of under-performers who are no longer ‘pro company’ may be painful but it’s also a really good way to inject a bit of positivity. The good, loyal, faithful team members whose consistent behaviour may go unnoticed and unappreciated at times can feel disgruntled when we put up with poor performance from people whose hearts just aren’t in it. One good new bright shining star who is coming from a place of positive mental attitude can have a ripple affect on the performance of everybody, however junior they are. It reminds those unnoticed team members that you are watching, and intently, and your unwillingness to tolerate negativity at any cost underpins your company ethos.

We recently experienced this when 3 new apprentices joined our team at the same time. These wonderful young women are positive, enthusiastic, willing, polite and motivated to achieve. We are lucky that we already have an amazing team of young learners, but these new recruits have injected a bolt of new-found positivity into those who are nearly completing their training. It’s fair to say they have altered our shop floor dynamic and encouraged an even more positive vibe – it’s spreading the love and it’s noticeable.

It’s always scary to face up to the fact that sometimes it’s the end of the road work-wise, both for the employer and the employee. Sometimes it’s a case of shape-up or ship-out, however hard that is for both parties. But new people coming into the team can have the effect of upping the game for the rest of the staff, and that can only be a good thing. A new team not only keeps things fresh but also shows that the company is moving forward. Fresh new energy can be the key to success. So don’t be afraid to shake things up – sometimes it can be just the tonic.

Hellen Ward

Hellen Ward is the Managing Director of Richard Ward brands, Salon and metrospa. Hellen is a Hair & beauty industry business consultant, as well as an author and columnist. She is also the Vice President, Director and Trustee of The Hair and Beauty Charity. Hellen has been pictured on This Morning as well as GB News.

All articles by Hellen Ward