By Hilton Bell

It is often said that life is an attitude – I think everyone can relate to this saying.

What is an attitude? By dictionary definition, “A physical or mental position” Accepting this definition, one can merely look at the different aspects that can be related to this physical or mental position.

Let us take the best type of attitude to have and develop: a professional attitude. The dictionary definition of professional; ‘Maintaining appropriate standards’; usage: “We sought professional advice.”

I think it is particularly interesting to note the word, ‘maintaining’ in the dictionary definition. A professional person, where humanly possible, should set a standard and goal and looks beyond that at achievement, not just setting a standard and goal.

At this point, it is important to think about the end result, whether that be from a fantastic coiffured creation to simply getting out of bed in the morning. Nothing happens without firstly some physical action and energy in relation to that end result. So let us take the simple action of bed in the morning.

For some of us, not so simple! The starting point is the thought of getting the body vertical. So it is safe to say that the principle behind anything happening is simply 1. Thought, 2. Action, 3. Result.

Now let us take the situation of a client walking into your salon. Firstly, one must realize what she has walked through the front door for. Obvious, you say. To have her hair cut! Why is that? Because that is what she has booked for!

Personally, I never ask any client how she wants her hair cut or what is she having today? I believe it is important to make verbal contact and exchange with your client first. Always take note of the person’s indicators, i.e. is she colorful, is she tailored in her dress, etc? I find that asking someone how they “feel” about their hair brings about a lot more feedback, with answers like “It is dry, it has lost its bounce, it is dull and lifeless, it is too flat, it is too thick’.

All this information that the client is giving you are problems that she has or feels she has. A professional solves client’s problems and endeavors to prevent future ones. If your attitude towards your client is one of interest and attentiveness, you can be sure your client will give you the same reaction.

One sometimes hears a person make a statement, ‘I can never do that sort of work in my salon’, or ‘My clientele would not go for…’ Your clientele is a direct result of your attitude towards your clients, your salon and your profession. A person with a professional attitude will gain professional respect and reward. A person with a sloppy attitude will obviously gain sloppy results and rewards.

There is a simple principle worth thinking about, which is BE, DO, HAVE.

BE professional; DO Professional actions; and HAVE Professional rewards. Finally, think about what the definition of the terms professional attitude is and ask you, does it apply to me?

‘Professional’ – maintaining appropriate standards
‘Attitude’ – a physical or mental position.

 

By Hilton Bell

It is often said that life is an attitude – I think everyone can relate to this saying.

What is an attitude? By dictionary definition, “A physical or mental position” Accepting this definition, one can merely look at the different aspects that can be related to this physical or mental position.

Let us take the best type of attitude to have and develop: a professional attitude. The dictionary definition of professional; ‘Maintaining appropriate standards’; usage: “We sought professional advice.”

I think it is particularly interesting to note the word, ‘maintaining’ in the dictionary definition. A professional person, where humanly possible, should set a standard and goal and looks beyond that at achievement, not just setting a standard and goal.

At this point, it is important to think about the end result, whether that be from a fantastic coiffured creation to simply getting out of bed in the morning. Nothing happens without firstly some physical action and energy in relation to that end result. So let us take the simple action of bed in the morning.

For some of us, not so simple! The starting point is the thought of getting the body vertical. So it is safe to say that the principle behind anything happening is simply 1. Thought, 2. Action, 3. Result.

Now let us take the situation of a client walking into your salon. Firstly, one must realize what she has walked through the front door for. Obvious, you say. To have her hair cut! Why is that? Because that is what she has booked for!

Personally, I never ask any client how she wants her hair cut or what is she having today? I believe it is important to make verbal contact and exchange with your client first. Always take note of the person’s indicators, i.e. is she colorful, is she tailored in her dress, etc? I find that asking someone how they “feel” about their hair brings about a lot more feedback, with answers like “It is dry, it has lost its bounce, it is dull and lifeless, it is too flat, it is too thick’.

All this information that the client is giving you are problems that she has or feels she has. A professional solves client’s problems and endeavors to prevent future ones. If your attitude towards your client is one of interest and attentiveness, you can be sure your client will give you the same reaction.

One sometimes hears a person make a statement, ‘I can never do that sort of work in my salon’, or ‘My clientele would not go for…’ Your clientele is a direct result of your attitude towards your clients, your salon and your profession. A person with a professional attitude will gain professional respect and reward. A person with a sloppy attitude will obviously gain sloppy results and rewards.

There is a simple principle worth thinking about, which is BE, DO, HAVE.

BE professional; DO Professional actions; and HAVE Professional rewards. Finally, think about what the definition of the terms professional attitude is and ask you, does it apply to me?

‘Professional’ – maintaining appropriate standards
‘Attitude’ – a physical or mental position.