Many of us who own a salon or work in one at any capacity need to understand that you need to be committed to a basic understanding of “rules of engagement” to be successful. What does this mean? Let’s call it a standard set of policies or, for lack of a better term, “Work Ethics.”

In order for you to have a successful life personally and in business you will need to follow ethical principles, like these:

• Reliable

• Organized

• Friendly

• Artistic

• Good communicator

• Enthusiastic

• Caring

• Well-rounded

• No drama

• Eager

• Trustworthy

• Team player

The list can go on forever but following the ethical principles will take you on the fast tract of being successful in life. The term "work ethics" refers to your values, how you work. Having an excellent work ethic involves the right attitude, correct behavior, and respect for others at home and yes at work, diligence, and effective communication. Essentially, a work ethic regulates how an employee responds in different situations in the salon. How do they react or adjust to the daily routine of coming to work? How do they deal with customers? Other employees? A professional, prompt, and positive attitude = having a good work ethic.

A work ethic comes from within, but it can be developed through training. Our ethics involve our personal sense of morality, something we decide. How we were raised and our exposure to teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends have an influence, sure, but we’re all grown-ups now and are making our own choices about how to be.

Salon employees exhibiting good work ethics are usually considered eligible for pay increases, management positions, and more responsibilities. A good work ethic broadcasts to your boss and to your customers, “I can handle this.”

List of Ethics Essentials

Honesty – The best policy. Any job assigned to you should be done with the utmost honesty. Cheating, lying, or stealing even in the smallest degree is dishonest and will usually get you fired. If there’s anything you need to get honest about, do it as soon as possible.

Dependability – People who are dependable are considered reliable. When you’re considered reliable, you are looked upon as a leader. Being first in and last to leave the salon is a good rule to live by. Time management in the salon business is the key to your success. Making a customer wait for you for an appointment is the number one ethic breaker in the salon business. Be dependable to yourself, your boss, coworkers, and yourself.

Efficiency – Efficiency is vital for your growth, as well as the salon you are working in. Not wasting time or the salons resources is another good rule to live by. Salon owners and other employees can easily spot an employee who wastes valuable color and washes products down the drain.

Dress habits – “Dress to impress” has always been a positive work ethic. Let’s face it you’re a beauty professional right? Well if you are supposed to be on the cutting edge of fashion dress and look like that. You should be impeccably groomed every day you show up to work. Your customers and co-workers will look to you as an inspiration if you look and play the part.

Initiative –To be successful at your job, you should not have to be told to do something. If you know something is out of place or that something needs to be done that is done on a daily basis, do it. Always think outside the box about the salons workflow and how you can help keep the salon moving forward. If you have the someone else will do it mentality, you are not following the proper work ethic mentality…

Positive attitude – Maintaining a positive attitude at work is very important to accomplish your daily salon tasks the best you can. You are paid to create results. As soon as you drop your nice attitude your customers, co-workers and boss will notice and your results will be affected.

Teamwork –Always remember that you are a part of a team, no matter what role you play. There is no I in team! Without individual commitment to a team effort, you will not be successful, you will be stranded. Strive to work together in unity within the salon. Even if you are a leader, there will be no one to lead if you drive away by being patronizing.

No More Drama – Time to look in the mirror and if anyone has called you a drama queen or king, you might want to examine your behavior and modify your reactions. The salon is no place for drama. Getting along with your co-workers, clients and employer is the most important aspect of your job. Respecting these people by not getting them involved with your “stuff” will make working in the salon a breeze. No one wants to hear about all your problems. This is a surefire way to lose customers and eventually your job.

Love –Learn to love your customers, co-workers, boss, job, and most importantly, your profession! It’s easier to be around people every day if you love what you do. Except people for who they are no matter what. Make the most of your profession and learn to say, “I love what I do and love the people I am with.” Practice this work ethic daily and it will make you not only a better employee, but a better person.