Pulse May 2016 | Page 62

3. A is for APPLAUD. Applaud the efforts of your staff. What gets recognized gets repeated, so be specific in your praise. Make sure that you are sincere. Catch your employees doing something right and thank them in the moment— timing is everything. Let your employees know how their individual actions are beneficial to your spa. A handwritten note goes a long way in giving your employees tangible “proof” of their contributions. Make sure you acknowledge your employees in the manner in which they want to be recognized. You’ll find some employees love public recognition and others cringe at the thought of being singled out. Handing out gift cards or lottery tickets when someone goes above and beyond in the care of a client is a fun way to immediately and inexpensively reward their actions. A kind word or “verbal hug” goes a long way in creating an emotional connection with your team. By working with your employees during periods of personal difficulty or crisis, you create more loyal team members. After all, when employees are able to focus on the job at hand and not be distracted by all that is going on in their personal lives, they are much more productive and committed to working while they are at work. just a license within the organization. You’ll help to make a positive impression and create a more open culture. 6. S is for SERVE. Serve your team. Look for ways to provide reinforcement for your staff. If you see someone struggling with a client, pitch in and help. When a manager jumps into the trenches and is willing to get his or her hands dirty, he or she generates a spirit of collaboration that permeates the organization. Encourage, energize, empathize, and most of all, lead with your heart. When your employees trust you, they perform at a higher level. When you help them envision their career path, they engage. When you applaud their efforts, they are proud to work for you. When you help them navigate work/life balance, you reduce their stress. When you get to know them, you make your employees feel significant. And, when you serve them, they feel included in the process. Harness the power of T.H.A.N.K.S. and your spa reaps the rewards. n A clearly defined career path is one of the biggest factors for improving employee retention. 4. N is for NAVIGATE. Navigate work/life balance. Face it, we’re busy. Whether your employees are dealing with young children, aging parents or anything in between, look for ways to accommodate them in how the work gets done. Pay more attention to the outcome than the means of finishing the job. When possible, incorporating flexible schedules, comp time, job-sharing, or other variations of the work day can make a huge difference. 60 PULSE ■ May 2016 5. K is for KNOW. Know your staff. When you show interest in, and listen to your team members, they feel more connected to your business. Meet them where they are: If they are o