Mentor Me This
What Does it Mean to You?
We recently caught up with Patrick Dockry, President &
Co-founder of ENJOY Professional Hair Care and Health Beauty Life media for a chat about mentoring and what it means to him.
What is the importance of mentoring? How important is a mentoring
culture within a salon?
Having been a salon owner myself, I personally believe that
mentoring and the mind-set that goes along with it is essential to the growth
of any salon. Having a well-integrated learning and teaching culture based on the
teamwork of the salon as a whole always makes for the best possible work
environment.
Mentoring can happen at any level, in fact many salon
receptionists go on to beauty school because of the exposure to the business
and likely some prompting from a mentor in the salon. Mentoring also tends to happen
at the assistant stage when a new stylist is absorbing everything they can from
the owner or other established stylists. Any good salon owner or manager knows
that assisting is more than just sweeping up hair or folding towels and that
there needs to be a giveback above and beyond the menial tasks assistants must
endure.
What are ways one can be a mentor?
There are a lot of different levels of mentoring. Offering
regular education in the salon and making sure to tailor some of it just to new
stylists. Taking the time to explain a technique or implementing a hands-on
color, cutting, or styling session for one-on-one learning is key. It can even
be as simple as taking a new stylist, a student or even someone with a mere
interest in the field and helping to cultivate a true passion by showing them
the ropes. Taking young and eager students to a hair show or an educational
event is a great place to start, but take the time to explain what is being
seen and make personalized suggestions to help guide them so they can flourish.
What is the difference between education and mentoring?
Education is about what is being taught, while mentoring is
how it’s being taught. Mentoring is personalized attention to nurture and grow
new talent.
What is the benefit of continuing education?
Every salon professional, no matter how long they have been
in the business, should sharpen their skills and update techniques and tools to
stay on top of their game. We never really stop learning in this industry. If
you think you know it all, you’re done…hang it up.
How has mentoring helped you personally?
Helping someone learn, especially with those “ah-ha”
moments, can be very rewarding in, and of, itself. I liken it to my background
in martial arts…you can only reach a certain level if you teach.
Does one decide to be a mentor, or is it innate?
The ability to give of themselves freely is natural for some
people and not for others. However, I also think it’s a state of mind, so
therefore it can be learned. To effectively mentor, one must teach freely and
unselfishly for the pure sake of other’s learning and growing, and not expect
anything in return.
Where do stylists need the most help in education?
Stylists in general really need help on the business side
and in the client retention area, especially with so many booth renters in the
industry. The business side is something that is typically learned with experience
or exposure to the industry, but a great business mentor can help give a leg
up.
Once a stylist decides to become a mentor, what is the next step?
Keep your eyes open so you are able to detect underlying
talent or a spark of interest from others who may not be in the field yet. Consider
talking at a local high school on career day or volunteer at a job fair. Inside
the field, find eager learners and offer time to help encourage them. Some
local beauty schools allow local salons to demonstrate techniques or recruit
for the next wave of assistants, so form a few good connections at these
learning centers and donate some time to make the most of them.
If not already in place, how can a stylist begin a culture of
mentoring in his/her salon?
First, with the permission of the salon owner or manager, be
open to teaching others, especially new stylists. Offer your time, perhaps on
certain nights or mornings that aren’t so busy. Work one on one with assistants
and newer stylists to overcome their weaknesses, especially in key areas that
will really matter in their career. Show the eager receptionist or beauty
school, even local high school student with an interest a few quick tips or
techniques, share learning videos or just take the time to talk. It’s that personalize attention and the
sincerity of the person offering it that makes the difference.
How can a stylist find his or her own mentor?
In their salon or at their school is a good place to start.
I think it’s pretty obvious who the dedicated teachers really are and most are
thrilled to give more to someone who truly appreciates the time spent. In most
cases it just takes asking. There are also professional groups and forums such
as HAIRDRESSERPOWER.com that allow for great mentoring opportunities.
