Why it is Important to Carry Yourself as a Leader?
For this week’s blog post, I thought we should take a step back and try and angle we don’t often talk about– leadership. The second scariest “L” word some may argue. When you ask someone for an example of a leader, oftentimes you’ll get answers that include CEOs, military generals, team captains, or in our case, salon and spa owners. However, one answer that is typically overlooked is YOU. Yes, you heard it here first, folks. YOU are a leader, and a dang good one if you ask me!
Each day we are faced with difficult (and not so difficult) decisions regarding everything from our jobs, to our personal lives, to even our relationships with other. Should we wake up an extra 30 minutes early to get that workout in before heading to the salon? Should I meet my friends out for drinks later tonight or go home early and dedicate some time to getting myself ready for the week ahead? Is it time I learn a new skillset that could really set me apart from my peers or do I stick to what I know and hone in on it and become the best? Each day we make these decisions which is exactly what a leader does, just on a smaller scale.
To be a leader, you don’t necessarily have to lead the masses; you just have to take the initiate to make forward progress before someone tells you to do it. You are the leader of your life, especially more so in a salon/ spa atmosphere. In this industry, whether you are truly the leader (owner) of your own business or whether you have a store manager who is responsible for your schedule and pricing structure, you are still your own leader. Though you may have rules and guidelines to follow, you are solely responsible for your client having a great experience. It is up to you to be engaging, approachable, personable, and not to mention, to do a great job at performing the service. All of that starts with YOU, your internal leader. Once you grasp this concept that you are in control of yourself and your surroundings, life will start to look a lot different.
I’m sure we’re all tired of hearing about COVID-19 and all of the havoc it has wreaked on us but one thing that it hasn’t completely overtaken is our positive mindsets, the key to putting this dog to bed once and for all. When everything around you seems to be falling apart, it is more important than ever to step up as a leader, both of yourself and of your peers, and to remain positive. Why?
1.) A Leader Can Influence Others More Than You Think
When someone steps up as a leader, naturally, others will follow. They will mirror your actions, your thoughts, and your words so let them be positive ones. As a leader, if you believe that success is right in front of you, your peers will sense and feel it, too.
2.) Chaos= Change
One of my favorite Nordic quotes is “If you expect change, you have to invite chaos.” meaning, change is not easy. Change can be incredibly daunting and uncomfortable but all great things worth achieving are. The things you spend the most time training for and pushing towards often reap the highest benefits and without that trial period, our goals would seem less significant.
3.) Survival Mode is No Longer Viable
Gone are the days where hanging on by a thread was a suitable way to live your life and run your business. When you or your business are stuck on survival mode, all forward progress ceases. You should always strive for more, for better. Though we encourage to take a little time of to recharge your battery and regroup, never confuse that with surviving. The difference between regrouping and surviving is positive thinking. When you’re surviving, you’re planning for the next day and how to make it through whereas with regrouping, you’re planning for months ahead. Being stuck on survival shows that you don’t believe in yourself or your business and that is a message that can be read from across the room.
Moral of the story, stay positive. Regardless of all of the uncertainty and craziness going on around us, choose positive thoughts to occupy your mind. Know that this too shall pass and we just need to keep that positive mindset towards the future and how we can be ready for whatever chaos comes our way. Be a leader and face the change. Whether that’s finding another viable source of income, switching new careers, or learning a new skill, do it with positivity. Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology can help with all of that. We will get through this.
