Shared Understanding

Hi,

Whenever two or more people work together there is potential for synergy (“the whole being more than the sum of its parts”). At the same time, there is potential for a lack of coordination and even conflict. The difference between synergy and conflict can usually be traced back to the degree of shared understanding between the people involved. When there are only two or three people in the mix things are usually pretty simple. But when there are four, five, or even ten or more people involved, things; positive or negative, can accelerate very quickly.

The key to getting your staff focused and working well together is to develop a shared understanding with them.

When a staff shares common understanding they become a team working together to achieve the same goals. Anyone who has ever moved furniture, pushed a car, or rowed a boat, intuitively understands the benefits when everyone works together and has experienced the acceleration that comes when everyone is coordinated and heading in the same direction. They’ve also experienced the consequences when someone drops their end, gives up, or moves at the wrong time.

Developing a shared understanding at your salon begins with the most fundamental topics and carries through to the minutest detail. Hiring people who hold similar work values, ensuring everyone understands and shares your Vision, working hard to explain the thinking behind your Branding Framework, taking ownership for the Transformational Client Experience, making this year’s financial goals clear to everyone and their role in achieving them; these are all areas where a shared understanding is critical if your salon is to thrive.

If you would like to learn more about how to develop a shared understanding with your staff and the benefits it will bring to your salon, please contact me.

Jim Lucas
Séva Education
gojimlucas@sevastyle.com
(925) 980-7871


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