Your Hairstylist Gets It

Your Hairstylist Gets It

If you find yourself feeling caught up in the hamster wheel of doing and as if you are simply reacting to the next urgent email inbox item, I invite you today to consider your neighbourhood hair salon.?

I went to get my haircut yesterday. In Montréal, I go to a very hip and trendy place called Deux Cheveaux on St Hubert. Each time I’ve gone, I am easily the oldest person there.?

Last night, a stylist next to mine was cutting the very curly hair of a young woman while another woman took pictures and the three of them had a conversation about learning to cut, and then specialize in cutting, curly hair.?

I was only listening with half an ear (curly hair not being my particular grooming woe) when I heard the stylist say: “and if you say yes to every project that comes your way, you never have the time to devote to learning your personal style or concentrating on what you do best.” My stylist (hi, Olivier!) then chimed in with an enthusiastic “YES! Because you have to figure out your tools and your practice!”?

I asked Olivier if the work of specializing in a type or style of hair or haircut meant that a stylist would, eventually, tell people “oh, I’m not the one for you.” He confirmed that this should be the case for any really good stylist – they know their zone of genius and try to stick to it as much as possible. This makes work fun and builds your reputation.?

Cutting and styling hair is a service. I know that I get a better haircut and a better experience when I go to Deux Cheveux than if I went to Great Clips, and the professionalism of the staff at the salon is one reason why. Continuing education, commitment to keeping up with trends, etc. are the hallmark of a good salon. And, as I learned last night, the stylists knowing who they serve best, what kind of hair they do their best work on, and what products and tools help their work shine.?

This realization hit me after a day of working with my clients on prioritization, not saying “yes” to every project that comes along, recognizing where their zone of genius is and sticking to work in that zone, rather than just reacting in a panic of scarcity to every potential bit of work.?

Saying NO is hard. Not taking on a service commitment around an issue you believe in is difficult. Knowing when “good enough” is definitely good enough might leave you feeling like you’re getting away with something.?

But your professionalism and reputation are built on learning your style, your tools, and your zone of genius and developing your body of work and your impact there. And committing to this path often requires a combination of continuing education, accountability, and planning.?

And, just like my salon has a team of stylists who can cover a variety of hair styles, textures, lengths, etc. and has specialists in dyeing and perming and someone who sources the best hair care products, academic teams and units can benefit from learning how each of them bring their zone of genius to collaborative work.?

This is professional development with a personal touch, because one size does not fit all. And, it is the perfect place to start your work with a coach.?

Until next time,

Jennifer