Steps to a Successful Staff Meeting

There’re plenty of reasons for why staff meetings are dreadful, but they don’t have to be. Productive staff meetings that are done right can fun and as a result, create a unified and happy team. We’re here to help you with how to hold and turn meetings into a win-win situation for everyone.

Have regular meetings

Everyone benefits from consistency and continuity, and nobody likes to have a meeting sprung on them at the last minute. Establish a routine where meetings occur on the same day at the same time. For example, schedule to gather every Monday or first of the month before the day begins. When your staff is aware of what is expected, they can manage their schedule with regular meetings as a priority. They will feel more prepared and look forward to adding to the discussion.

Create an agenda

Every productive meeting has a plan of what it will cover. It gives the facilitator guidance and aids everyone with staying on track. Don’t forget to share your meeting agenda with your staff and have someone take notes so a follow-up can be sent out. Keep a binder of all your agendas. You can use it to look back and see what has been covered and will inspire you as you move forward.

Establish meeting rules

Team meetings often turn into housekeeping sessions. Arguments over who didn’t clean the bowls or sweep floors will spiral into a finger-pointing and name-calling free for all. These types meetings leave staff feeling demoralized and salon owners frustrated. Have your staff understand that negative behaviors are not tolerated, but solutions are always welcome! If you have a critique, keep it one-on-one. Encourage participation and create a safe environment by eliminating sarcasm and put-downs. Staff meetings are opportunities to express appreciation and reward your staff for their accomplishments. Maintaining order develops trust and respect among your staff.

Don’t forget to have fun!

Everyone learns better and is more receptive to new ideas when they are having fun and laughing. Spend five to fifteen minutes praising accomplishments or sharing salon growth and business wins. It’s the opportunity to connect with your staff with a short motivational up-date. Try ending your staff meetings with a team huddle. In salons where there is more than one shift, the huddle works well as we can hold them at the beginning of each shift.

As we have often said; “Communication is nine-tenths of the world’s problem.” By holding regular staff meetings, we have a good chance of closing the gap on miscommunication. End every staff meeting and huddle with rewards and high-fives. WHAT GETS REWARDED GETS REPEATED!!