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Flying Lessons
By Observing the Migration of
Geese We Learn How Flying in
Formation Allows Us To Soar
By Jenny Hogan
The next time you look up at the sky and
see geese or other birds flying in the “V” formation,
you may want to consider the reason
why they fly in this very precise manner.
Every year we witness migrating birds
and the familiar V shape they naturally form
while flying. It’s a wonderful reminder of the
benefits of teamwork and how the synergy of
a group serves to enhance momentum and
boost each individual up.
Lauren Gartland, founder of Inspiring
Champions, tells how we can learn some
important tips on life from observing how a
flock of geese fly together.
Teamwork Is Uplifting — Geese fly in
a V formation because as each goose flaps
its wings it creates uplift for the remaining
birds. Flying in this manner adds 71 percent
more efficiency than if the birds were to fly
alone. “Working as a team in your salon or spa
provides this same type of supportive boost to
your workplace,” Gartland compares.
“The momentum provided by the
combined efforts of a group working towards
a common goal greatly enhances efficiency
and results while also lifting morale.” Create
an inspiring vision for your business that will
guide your team members. Think up ways
your team members can work together for
the common goal of business success. You
could create an incentive program where
salon service and retail goals are rewarded
with prizes like new hairstyling tools, a gift
certificate for a nice dinner or theater tickets.
Avoid Flying Solo — When a goose falls
out of formation, it quickly feels the drag and
resistance of flying alone. “When we humans
fly solo we also feel the weight of life’s
pressures. Our burdens are much lighter if
we share them with others and get the help
and support we need,” notes Gartland. She
advises business owners to hold regular team
training sessions and meetings.
“Productive, inspiring meetings will keep
everyone in sync with your company’s mission
and ensure every member feels included
and listened to.” Make sure there is ongoing
communication in your business and that
everyone participates in creating new goals
and projects. Hold regular training sessions
where new skills and trends are covered, so
that there is always backup in your salon or
spa if an individual needs some technical
advice or just a helping hand.
Rotate The Point Position — If you are
the head of a business, you may feel the sole
weight of the responsibility it bears. Consider
that the lead goose in a formation constantly
14 | OCTOBER 2010 | NORTHWEST STYLIST & SALON
rotates back, letting another goose take its
place. Gartland suggested, “Learn to delegate
in your workplace and share leadership
responsibilities. We each have skills and capabilities
that enhance each other and create a
better workplace with many resources.”
Train and coach your team members to
grow their skills and performance. By unlocking
your employees’ potential, you ultimately
improve your business which will become
much more powerful than if you always try
to do everything yourself. Step back and allow
your team members the chance to grow.
Monitor their work but don’t micromanage;
show confidence in their abilities and
empower them to become leaders too.
Keep On Honking! — Geese in formation
honk constantly while flying to encourage
those up front to keep up their speed.
“Working in an environment where there
is regular encouragement ensures that your
team members feel appreciated and acknowledged,
while leading your business to thrive,”
Gartland said.
Show your thanks and gratitude to your
team members often, both verbally and also
with rewards. Have regular employee outings
or parties in the salon for birthdays, seasonal
events or in celebration of an individual’s
personal success. You could even have an
awards ceremony and give away silly trophies,
or put gold stars on salon stations. The
point is to recognize every accomplishment
team members achieve in some way and let
them know you rely on them and appreciate
their hard work. Studies on work behavior
have consistently found employees actually
favor recognition for their work above salary
increases or other benefits.
When A Goose Is Down — Finally, when
a goose flying in formation is sick, wounded
or shot down, two geese also drop out of
formation. They follow the wounded goose
to the earth to protect it and stay with it until
it recovers, or dies. Then they later catch
up with the flock or join another formation.
“Standing by your workmates through
difficult times as well as good ones ensures a
strong, coherent group,” Gartland declared.
Being flexible in your business may just allow
your downed goose to return to the flock if
the team dynamic is strong enough to prevail.
“We want to lift people up, support
people’s dreams and fuel the spark of greatness
within them,” concluded Gartland. By
creating a strong vision for your business and
actively engaging your team members to be
a part of that vision, you ensure that instead
of many strong individuals flying solo, you
become a powerfully cohesive, soaring team.
Inspiring Champions is a business and coaching company offering live
training camps, coaching and mentoring services, webinars, audio tapes
and educational resources. For more information call 800-496-9305 or go
to www.InspiringChampions.com.
New Examination Vendor Providing
Exams in Washington State
Applicants for Cosmetology, Barbering, Manicuring, Esthetics and Instructors have a new
examination vendor beginning October 1, 2010 in Washington. National Testing Network
will be giving both the written and practical examinations for our applicants. Information
about the examinations can be found on the www.CosmetologyWashington.com website.
If you are a graduate of a Washington State cosmetology school and need to schedule
examinations you will contact your school for scheduling information. If you are applying
from outside of Washington state with or need to reinstate a cancelled Washington License,
complete the form at www.dol.wa.gov/forms/638040.pdf and send it to the Department.
You will be contacted with examination scheduling information.
REMINDER: Salon Shop Owners are required to certify to the department that they
have coverage of a public liability insurance policy in an amount not less than one hundred
thousand dollars for combined bodily injury and property damage liability. Check your
policy to make sure that your coverage meets this requirement.
Advisory Board
Meeting and
Workshop Schedule
Advisory Board meetings and Workshops
schedule for 2010 and 2011 are listed below:
Please note – due to budget considerations we
have moved to quarterly board meetings.
• November 8, 2010, 9 a.m.
• February 14, 2011, 9 a.m.
• May 9, 2011, 9 a.m.
• August 8, 2011, 9 a.m.
• November 14, 2011, 9 a.m.
Location:
Department of Licensing, Room 209
405 Black Lake Blvd SE, Olympia WA
Numbers In Style
Dept. of Licensing Active Licenses
Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56,013
Personal Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Instructors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,354
Salons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,122
Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Mobile Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Visit our Website!
www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology
For the most current information on
the cosmetology program, visit our web site
at www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology.
If you need to contact us, we can be
reached at (360) 664-6626, or write to:
Department of Licensing, Business and
Profession Cosmetology Section, PO Box
9048, Olympia, Washington 98507
Renew Online
Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Estheticians, Barbers, Instructors, Salon/Shops,
Personal Services Operators, and Mobil Services Operators can renew licenses
online. Watch for your Notice to Renew in the mail and if you are eligible,
you will receive a password and the website address. Visa or MasterCard are
required for online payment.