Dear Hayley,
I’m a salon owner and my team mean so much to me; we are really close, and I adore them all. Since returning to work after having my first child, I don’t have the same time and patience to support them as I have been doing so far. I feel my priorities are changing, but I’m worried I’m starting to let them down. How do I still be there for them and my business, but also my child?
Thank you, Sarah P
First of all, Sarah, well done on building a salon with a great team – that is no mean feat! And congratulations on becoming a mum too. Understandably, your priorities are changing; your salon is not your only baby anymore. Instead of just trying to do it all, I think it’s great you have recognised that you don’t have the same time or patience that you did before becoming a parent. This is brilliant insight.
It could be time to hire a manager to take on some of the responsibilities at the salon. Who stepped up when you were on maternity leave? I bet there are some great candidates already working for you who would love a promotion. Or, if not, you can always advertise the position. This would then give you more time to spend nurturing your team and more energy for that side of things.
It’s important to think about how much time you can realistically spend working in and on your business, and feel good about how much time you have with your child. The beauty of owning your own business is that you can make this work for you. You haven’t mentioned whether you are still working behind the chair at all – is it a possibility to drop some hours there? This way you could focus more on running the business.
I think your strength is in leading your team well, you clearly do a great job of that. And so, to me, it’s about considering what aspects don’t have to be done by you. What could you pass over to a manager so you can stay in your zone of genius at work? The vision for the business has to be you, so it seems it’s time to pull back on the day-to-day management work. In my opinion, if your team gets your undivided attention regularly for one-on-ones, they won’t feel unsupported or let down at all.
I believe if you train up a manager, and you’re clear about what is their department and what is yours, this will be a big win all round.
I really wish you well Sarah, this is an exciting and lovely time for you.
Enjoy every minute of it!
Hayley
