Anyone have solutions for dealing with challenging management?

I'm having trouble working under the manager of my salon. She gives a lot of negative feedback (not constructive) and rarely offers any positive.  She also works the 15 staff beyond what is reasonable (squeezes in several clients into one slot).   When she works there is a negative feel in the air and some of my coworkers are stressed out too.  Direct talking to her causes backlash and more negative feedback.  Does anyone have any creative ideas as to how to learn to tolerate the situation/change it?   

Dear AliG-

Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards!  Please take a few moments to read over the board rules in the green box above.  I am sorry you are having difficulties at your salon.  How long have you been there?  I know it must be tough going to work with tension everyday.  How is the salon owner to talk to?

Cindy Farr Hester  Asst Moderator

Thanks Hues4U, owner/manager are the same person.  I've been there 2 1/2 yrs and it seems to get progressively worse as time goes on.  You're right..I am super stressed out and often go home on the verge of tears. 

Dear AliG-

That has got to be really hard feeling like that daily.  What will happen if you talk to her/him?  Just keep in mind that you have options, there are other salons out there. 

Cindy Farr Hester  Asst Moderator

Thanks for your responses.  Owner doesn't do hair anymore but used to so you'd think she'd have some understanding.  I agree quality work is important.  If I am commissioned though I cant really take over my bookings can i?

Good point that there are other places to work.  I guess my best bet is to figure out what this job is worth to me;.

Dear digger66

Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards!  Please take a few moments to read over the board rules in the green box above.  I am certain that our great members will have a response for you soon.

Cindy Farr Hester  Asst Moderator

My list of the top ten things I have seen salon managers do wrong.

1) Loud aggresive confrontations are no way to get your point across, the behavior gets the attention opposed to the matter at hand. A calm attentive demeanor will help you find a solution to the problem. A manager should never fly off the handle and use fear control.

2) Showing up late is not a good role model. Showing up late repeatedly is even worse. Practice what you preach.

3) Never leave an appointment waiting for long periods of time without the smallest greeting.

4) Never bad mouth one stylist to another.

5) Never bad mouth the owner to the stylists.

6) Never bad mouth the owner and the stylists to the clients.

7) Life happens sometimes and things get delayed, never repeatedly leave your staff without the tools for their trade.

8) Do not undermine or discipline your staff in front of a client.

9) Never deal with a difficult client in front of other clients.

10) This is the best...... I've experienced this one. Never screw up the Bridal Book repeatedly. Oh that drove me nuts! OK thats my personal manager gripe lol.

I could go on.

AMirage

All kidding aside....

http://www.spas2b.com/2b_successful.php?Article=3

I typed "Top Ten Salon Management Mistakes" into google. I would join several online communities, and maybe invest in some step by step programs for you to study. There are a few out there written by successful salon owners.

I wouldn't be surprised if you can find a book in reference to your needs in the BTC store, or click on the business link and read some of the articles.

Not brown nosing lol, I have looked these things up myself.

I would definitely get myself familiar with the rules and regulations regarding this industry. The health inspector can be a nice guy if you are prepared when he comes.

Just dive in, research, read about management woes, and management success articles. Learn it. Enjoy.

AMirage

Great advice Russ as always.... it's a shame managers take it out on their staff. I agree 100 % with your ways of dealing with a difficult manager, I would love to share some of the tales of my x manager with you some day, she was something I've never dealt with before and hopefully never deal with again. I dealt with her pretty much as you suggest. I learned a lot from her mistakes as well.

This post became new on January 26th. Digger requested advice on managing a salon. They are interested in owning one and don't have a background in the industry to know as much as they would like to know.

I am unsure of the situation with the original poster of this thread. Would be nice to find out if they hung in there, or moved on.  Maybe they will get a notification in their email and come visit us.

AMirage

Sips her coffee.....

I have been an owner/stylist/manager for 9 years now, and 'just a stylist' for 22 years.  I do not claim to be the best of owner/managers by any means.  I do, however, try to be myself and deal with every situation as well as I possibly can.  My staff knows who I am and where I would like to be in 5 years.  I also know the same about them.  I try to take all of their concerns into consideration and act upon them when needed.  My staff knows that things aren't perfect in OUR salon but they stay because I acknowlege all of their concerns and try to make things better for them without compromising the salon itself.  So, my advice, as a learning owner, is to be true to you..........don't ever let others actions or visions get in the way of your own.  You obviously have a vision or you wouldn't open your own salon. 

In my salon, every stylist has different booking times.  It is all computerized.  If they need more time for specific clients we override the system and allow that extra time.  They also know what they are supposed to be bringing in on an hourly basis to make what they are used to making.  So if they have to adjust times, they adjust prices as well.

If you need to go to a salon with a compassionate manager..........please come and join us.  I do expect quality services and of course an example of your work prior to being hired.  We are in Alaska.........Anchorage to be exact.  If you feel like moving.....come and check us out!

Best of luck to you!

thanks for the wonderful advice everyone.  I haven't logged on in a while as feeling very discouraged.  Haven't done anything about the situation as I'm still trying to work it out in my own head.  Did talk to other stylists I can trust and seems this is a problem for at least some others.....will keep you posted....now I have lots to think about.....

An update....so met with manager and spoke about having enough time for quality service and referral building.  Response was you need to speed up service and bookings are continued to come at me one after another.  Looking into other areas/opportunities for work.....we'll see! I'll keep you posted...

FINALLY, I'm out!  Long story short, nothing changed @ salon despite following all advice so finally I have made the decision to leave and feel a HUGE sigh of relief!