Fostering Team Spirit in the Grooming Industry
“Remember, alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
– Helen Keller
by Kim Kier
n our grooming salons, where every snip and trim matters, the one thing that seems to be the hardest is motivating and encouraging the wonderful team we spend our days with. As passionate groomers, we understand the importance of collaboration, encouragement and positivity in our workplaces, but we just haven’t quite figured out the “how.” The following aims to provide some creative ideas to help nurture a vibrant and motivated team environment.Bring Some Togetherness To Your Salon
Host a game night: Set up a fun game night at work complete with snacks and board games. It’s a fantastic opportunity for your team to unwind, bond and get to know each other beyond work tasks.
Have dress-up days: Stir some fin into your workplace by organizing themed dress-up days. Whether it’s a ‘70s TV show theme or a day to dress up as your favorite musician, this is a playful way to add some excitement to the work week.
Celebrate special events: Make it a habit to celebrate birthdays, milestones and achievements within your team. Remembering and celebrating each team member’s birthday will certainly make them feel appreciated and welcomed.
Schedule staff meetings: Regular staff meetings to discuss goals, review updates and foster open communication provide an opportunity for everyone to share ideas, address concerns and strengthen team cohesion. Providing lunch or a special treat will make meetings more appealing to staff!
Make your own “Snap Cups:” Take a cue from the movie Legally Blonde and introduce Snap Cups in your salon. Place one cup at each station and encourage team members to express appreciation for each other daily by writing down something complimentary. It’s a simple yet effective way to spread positivity and boost morale.
Success Is Always Better With Company
Sign up for a class together: Research and sign up for a specialized grooming class or workshop that interests everyone. Whether it’s mastering a new grooming technique, learning about pet first aid or exploring creative grooming trends, embarking on this learning journey together will not only enhance your skills, but also strengthen your bond as a team. Plus, sharing the experience and knowledge gained from the class will enrich your salon’s services and delight your clients.
Take a road trip to a trade show: Explore the latest grooming tools, products and innovations while connecting with fellow groomers and industry experts. Immerse yourselves in grooming competitions, attend informative seminars and discover new trends that will elevate your salon’s offerings. The road trip itself will be filled with laughter, bonding and unforgettable memories that will energize and inspire your team.
Teach each other your best tips: Create a fun and interactive grooming exchange session within your salon. Each groomer can take turns showcasing their unique techniques, tricks and shortcuts that they’ve mastered over the years. Encourage open discussion, questions and experimentation to foster a collaborative learning environment. Not only will this exchange of knowledge improve your grooming skills, but it will also strengthen camaraderie and mutual respect among your team members.
Encourage and assist with team members’ goals: Show genuine interest in your team members’ professional and personal goals. Schedule one-on-one meetings or casual check-ins to discuss their aspirations, challenges and progress. Offer support, encouragement, and guidance to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Whether it’s mastering a specific grooming technique, advancing their career or achieving work-life balance, let them know that you’re there to support them. And don’t forget to celebrate their achievements—no matter how big or small.
Celebrate Each Other With Some Fun And Creative Awards
“Best Deshed of the Month:” Create a special “Deshed Champion” crown or tiara and crown the winner of the month during a staff meeting or gathering, complete with applause and cheers.
“Best ‘Matted to Marvelous’ Makeover:” Present the winner with a pair of decorative scissors, symbolizing their exceptional grooming skills. You can even engrave their name and the award category on the scissors for a personalized touch.
“Best-Kept Grooming Station:” Surprise the winner by decorating their grooming station with balloons, streamers and personalized banners celebrating their achievement. Consider adding a practical gift like a new grooming tool or storage organizer.
“Best Customer Service:” Create a dedicated bulletin board or digital display where clients can leave notes of appreciation for their favorite groomers. The person with the most notes at the end of each month can be awarded the winner with special recognition and perhaps a gift card for their favorite lunch or coffee spot.
These ideas not only recognize the hard work and dedication of your fellow groomers, but also promote a positive and supportive team culture within your salon. Remember to personalize the celebrations to suit the preferences and personalities of your team members for maximum impact and fun.
A motivated and engaged team in the grooming salon requires proactive leadership, effective communication and genuine appreciation. By leading by example, sharing your vision and supporting employee growth, you can cultivate a dynamic team environment that drives success. Let’s shine and grow together!
Kim Kier is the owner/groomer of Little Barks Grooming & Boutique, an award-winning luxury salon in Columbia, South Carolina. She is also a Master Pet Aesthetician, Professional Grooming Credential (World Pet Association), Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, Fear Free Professional, Low Stress Handling Level Silver Certified, and Certified Puppy Consultant.