How to Become a Great Salon Manager
Become a great salon manager
Whether you're employing a salon manager, thinking of hiring one, you are a manager, or aspiring to become one, this is for you!
Firstly, I speak from experience – I have managed teams most of my working life; be that running other people’s businesses or owned and operated my own hair and beauty salons. I’ve also served the industry in leadership roles, including charities and being President of the National Hair & Beauty Federation. It’s all been a privilege, and I've learned a lot along the way. In this article I’ll share insights and ideas on management, how you can best serve as a leader and how to become a great salon manager.
The Journey to Becoming a Great Manager
Salon managers often either work their way up through the ranks or are hired directly into the role, usually learning management skills on the job. In many cases, there's little to no formal training. I’ll admit, in the early days of owning a salon, I was guilty of promoting someone to a manager position and leaving them to figure out the nuances of management and leadership. Why? Because that’s what happened to me. I was thrown into the deep end and had to learn as I went along.
So what did I do different to become a good manager? While learning on the job, I also studied people management, leadership, and focused on personal development. When promoting managers in the early days, I assumed they would pro-actively learn! Assumption was often to a good thing!
Saying that, if you’re a less experienced manager thrown into the role with no formal training, don’t worry. There are ways to become the manager you aspire to be.
Decide the type of manager do you want (or need) to be?
Are you a key holder who counts shampoo bottles, or are you an inspirational leader who understands the business goals and works with your team to achieve them? Whichever it is, be aware of where you are now and focus on where you want to be. Remember, management isn’t learned in just one course or book! You need to actively work towards the type of manager you want to become.
I remember asking a candidate, who was in their late 20’s, “What type of manager are you?” Their response was something like: “A good manager!” Cue a long, silent pause. They eventually added, “You know, leading by example.” No matter how nice they were, their lack of clarity meant they were not the person to work with me or lead my team.
On the flip side, many salon owners shy away from candidates who respond with clarity and confidence. Saying something like, “I want to be an inspirational manager who brings real change to the team and the business. My goal is for us all to make money, learn new skills, and become the best versions of ourselves!” It’s odd that this level of ambition can appear intimidating!
For aspiring and current managers
Whether you’re currently managing a team or dreaming of doing so, if you feel you already have all the tools and skills to be an effective manager, that’s fantastic! But I’d encourage you to take a quick look at the ideas below, because learning never really stops. If you want to improve, make it a habit to study, read, listen to podcasts, or seek out coaching and mentorship. There’s always room to grow.
Overcoming resistance to new ideas
This is good from both the side of a team member resisting your ideas or requests and for ones-self. So let’s address a common stumbling block in learning: resistance. What if you come across something you disagree with or find yourself irritated by the person presenting the information (or is that just me)! Here’s a tip: pause and ask yourself, “What is it about this that really bothers me? Why does it evoke such a strong reaction?” This, too, is an opportunity to learn.
Often, a negative reaction stems from encountering an idea that clashes with our deeply held beliefs. It’s easy to feel some kind of emotion when someone presents a viewpoint that’s completely opposite to our own. But this maybe where real learning happens. Take a breath, step back, and if possible, try to understand the opposing idea or theory. This is how we grow.
Let me give you a personal example!
Many years ago, I developed a pay structure for the hair and beauty industry, it was simple, focused on rewarding actions that benefited the client, the business, and the employee. In contrast, other established pay systems focused on sales that pushed employees to prioritise money over client needs and used commission percentages as a focal point to drive worker behaviours.
I was so frustrated by these commission structures that I couldn’t even articulate the advantages of my performance-based pay system. I was too consumed by my opposition to the old ways of working. That is, until I decided to incorporate multiple pay systems into my software, giving the commission structures the same visibility as my performance pay system. By doing this, I could see the pros and cons of each side by side and give Loop HR clients the opportunity to compare pay structures for themselves.
This shift allowed me to stop feeling opposed to commission structures. Instead, I learned to understand and accept that different business cultures require different pay structures. It was a valuable lesson in broadening my perspective and letting go of unnecessary frustration.
As a side note, almost every business I work with, eventually incorporates the Performance Pay structure into their business, particularly with new staff members. It’s a win win for all.
The lessons learned along the way
Personal Development - Expanding Your Personal Skills
Self-awareness: Understand who you are, be mindful not to judge yourself (or others) too quickly. Recognise traits that may hinder your leadership, common negative traits include: a lack thoughtfulness (being selfish), being aggressive and lacking empathy.
Mental well-being: Keep an eye on triggers that affect your mental state and learn how to manage them. I have spent years practising different forms of spirituality and mindfulness. This journey helped me develop better copping mechanisms and a more philosophical approach to life and leadership. Find the thing that works for you!
Fitness: Staying active is important; exercise gives you time to recharge both mind and body. My personal fitness journey has evolved over time, from triathlons in my thirties to more sedate yoga and a 45-minute walk before breakfast each day.
Business Development – Understand the Basics of Management
With a solid foundation in personal development, now is the time to focus on understanding your business goals. Start by having a clear understanding of what you or your employer want to achieve. Here are a few key things to consider:
What are the business goals? Ask yourself – or your employer – what the goals are and how you can contribute to achieving them. Work with your employer to map it out so you’re both on the same page and have a clear, agreed path to success.
What framework will you use? Use tools that align your business goals, employee goals, and financial objectives. Whether it’s a simple document or software, you need a central place where everything connects, so everyone knows their role and where they stand within the business.
Which team members should you focus on – and what should they focus on? Not everyone will have the same skills, be on the same page, or move at the same pace. Decide where to invest your energy and identify which resources are needed for each team member. Share accountability with your team to yield greater results. Managers should empower people to reach their goals, not do it for them!
What key indicators of success should you track? The right KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are essential for achieving your goals more efficiently. Be mindful of the targets you set and ensure your KPIs support the goal. For example, if your goal is teamwork, individual-focused KPIs like request rates won’t help. Instead, focus on KPIs that reward collective effort and ensure the team is working toward shared success. Misaligned targets can hinder progress and prevent you from reaching the next stage of your journey.
Essential Reading and Learning
If you’re serious about management, the most economical way to learn is read books on a range of subjects:
- Management
- Leadership
- Rewards and celebrating wins.
- Money – or at least a basic understanding of economics!
I’ve included a list of books at the end of the article, which is a great place to start.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s digital world, managers harness the power of technology to stay ahead and keep their teams engaged. While you may not handle every back-office function, or be the main decision-maker, as a manager, you need the right tools to do your job well.
POS (Point of Sale) systems: Many salons have a POS system, but few managers take full advantage of its features. Become an expert in your POS! It’s more than just booking appointments and processing sales.
- Detailed reports can reveal team performance and how clients engage with your business.
- A top-notch POS offers mobile functionality and marketing tools that boost client interaction.
- Using this data shows your team that you know the business inside and out, earning their trust and confidence in your leadership.
HR management software: The right people management tools are essential for simplifying processes and keeping your team engaged. In a world where everyone wants an answer now, investing in software that handles most of the heavy lifting just makes sense. No one wants to be chasing after paper documents and spreadsheets to find important information. Empowering your team to self-manage everyday tasks like holiday requests and sick notifications not only frees up your time but also builds a sense of ownership and accountability among employees.
For managers, tools that link performance management with recordkeeping can make your job so much easier. Loop HR software for example, is designed specifically for salons and spas, it includes career progression mapping that helps your employees track their development. Curious to see how Loop HR could simplify your salon’s management? Explore our features or book a discovery call here.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the responsibility rests with you. You’re the one leading the team, so it’s up to you to learn, grow, and become the manager who inspires others. It’s a powerful position, but it also comes with great responsibility. A good manager can build a thriving team and business, while a poor one can unravel it all in no time.
If certain aspects of management don’t feel like a natural fit for you, it’s important to recognise those areas. Identify your weak points and either work to improve them or raise them with the owner or HR. Taking ownership of your growth allows you to focus on the parts of the role where you can truly shine.
Book List to Inspre Learning
Here’s a list of books that cover a range of topics every manager should explore. We’ll start with some salon management essentials, followed by broader subjects. Let me know which ones resonate with you and inspire your journey as a manager:
- Salon Management: Learn salon management from a range of perspectives. The Grow My Salon Business books - Super Stylist, Grow Management, Grow Team, Grow Marketing by Antony Whitaker who share years of salon industry experience.
- The Future of the Salon Industry: A great perspective on salon management, employment, and owning a salon business in today’s post-Covid industry. The Fall Of The Hair Salon by Mario Verrilli.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing your emotions and those of others is crucial for effective leadership. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves offers practical insights.
- Conflict Resolution: Learning how to navigate and resolve conflicts within a team is vital for maintaining a positive work environment. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson et al. is a great resource.
- Time Management and Productivity: Effective managers need to manage their time well. Getting Things Done by David Allen offers strategies for organising tasks and staying productive.
- Change Management: In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to manage and lead through change is crucial. Leading Change by John P. Kotter provides a framework for understanding and implementing change in organisations.
Management to Leadership
- Communication Skills: Strong communication is the backbone of good management. Books like Dare to Lead by Brené Brown or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey offer valuable insights on improving communication and influence.
- Coaching and Mentoring: Understanding how to effectively coach and mentor your team can elevate your management style. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier is a practical guide to becoming a better coach.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving: Managers often face tough decisions. Books like Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman can help you understand how to make better decisions.
Diversity and Inclusion: A modern manager should be knowledgeable about fostering an inclusive workplace. Inclusify by Stefanie K. Johnson is a good start for understanding how to bring out the best in diverse teams. - Negotiation: Negotiation skills are crucial for everything from securing resources to resolving conflicts. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss offers practical tips from a former FBI negotiator.
- Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging and managing creativity within a team can lead to breakthroughs in business. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace explores how to nurture creativity.
- Ethics and Corporate Responsibility: Understanding ethical management and corporate social responsibility is increasingly important. The Ethical Leader by Morgen Witzel provides a solid foundation in this area.
- Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt: This book, first published in 1946, breaks down economic concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. Hazlitt uses clear, straightforward language and real-world examples to explain the fundamentals of economics. The book focuses on the importance of considering the long-term effects of economic decisions—a concept that’s both simple and powerful.
These subjects can give managers a well-rounded perspective and the tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern management effectively.
This next list focuses on the importance of rewards, recognition, and celebrating wins in the workplace:
- The Carrot Principle: How the Best Managers Use Recognition to Engage Their People, Retain Talent, and Accelerate Performance by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton: This book explores how effective recognition and rewards can boost employee engagement, retention, and performance. It provides practical strategies for using recognition as a powerful management tool.
- Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink: While not solely about rewards and recognition, this book delves into the psychology of motivation, exploring the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Pink argues that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are key drivers of motivation, which managers should consider when celebrating wins.
- 1001 Ways to Reward Employees by Bob Nelson: This is a practical guide full of creative ideas for rewarding employees. The book is packed with real-world examples from companies of all sizes and offers low-cost or no-cost ways to show appreciation.
- Make Their Day!: Employee Recognition That Works by Cindy Ventrice: This book focuses on the impact of recognition and how it can improve employee satisfaction and performance. It provides insights into why recognition works and how to implement effective recognition programmes.
Soft Skills for Managers
- The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan Heath: While not exclusively about rewards, this book highlights how creating memorable moments, including celebrations and recognition, can have a profound impact on individuals and teams. It offers practical advice on how to design these impactful moments.
- Appreciation at Work: Unleashing the Power of Employee Recognition by Gary Chapman and Paul White: This book adapts the concept of the Five Love Languages to the workplace, showing how different forms of appreciation resonate with different people. It’s a great guide for managers looking to tailor their recognition efforts to individual team members.
- The Great Workplace: How to Build It, How to Keep It, and Why It Matters by Michael Burchell and Jennifer Robin: This book discusses the elements that make a workplace great, including the role of recognition and rewards. It’s based on extensive research from the Great Place to Work Institute.
- The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Gary Chapman and Paul White: Similar to Appreciation at Work, this book focuses on how to effectively show appreciation and celebrate wins in ways that resonate with different individuals in the workplace.
These books offer a mix of theory and practical advice, helping you understand the importance of rewards and celebrations and how to implement them effectively. To purchase any of the Antony Whitaker Grow My Salon Business books visit here.
One final note, as you have read this far, well done! If you would like to learn more about salon pay structures, here is a link to more information and a video on Salon Pay Structures.
To find out how Loop HR can help you manage your salon business, book a discovery call with me, Ian Egerton, using this link.
Ian Egerton
Founder, Loop HR