I have dived a bit into my work history in my past blogs, but I didn’t really dig deep into the importance of a positive work culture. Now, I know this sounds like stating the obvious but until I experienced it, I realized it’s so much deeper than just liking work and your coworkers. There have been plenty of jobs that I have enjoyed, and depending on your goals, that may be enough for some people. But I was yearning for growth and not just a job, but a career that I could be proud of, and see a future in. These are some habits and behaviors I’ve experienced in the past, which have been key takeaways for me, in terms of what I would encourage others in this field to look out for…
You want to be in a place where your higher ups are building a culture that prioritizes respect and communication. I have worked for people that you could tell almost didn’t want the employees to get close- which I can understand to an extent but, in these instances it was clearly due to not wanting us to talk too much, and “figure things out” if you will. Meetings were often done in a one-on-one format, where they would encourage you to tattle or talk poorly about other employees. This is something I saw through immediately, as I could tell management wanted to create division in order to remain in control. It got to a point where I was interrogated about someone else’s work ethic/behavior in a way that felt so inappropriate, that I went home that day and immediately looked for a new job. I put in my two weeks notice later that week. Lack of communication within a workplace leads to a lot of uncertainty, side chats, and games of telephone. These miscommunications make mountains out of mole hills. If you find yourself somewhere that lacks clear communication, I would make the humble suggestion to work together to change that, as it isn’t a sustainable environment for people with brains.
Competition over collaboration- ALL DAY. This is another thing that I think providers tolerate because they chalk it up to this whole “that’s just the industry” attitude. NO. That is not just the industry. There is no reason you should feel like you are competing against your coworkers to fill your book. The truth of the matter is, sometimes you are going to share clients, and sometimes your clients are going to like your coworker more- this is a truth you need to just accept, and put your ego aside for. In my experience, clients gravitate towards people they click with, and you end up with the people meant for you anyway. Now if your workplace is not respecting your book, client relationships, or promoting any incentives that harbor negative competition- run away. You want to be somewhere that allows their providers to shine as individuals, while also promoting clever collaborations that will ensure everyone is booked and busy. Sometimes the employers aren’t as hands on, then the responsibility is on you to find ways to collaborate with your coworkers. If you each find your niche you can do some really cool things, and create a lot of client crossover. This isn’t just good for morale, it’s good for business, but frankly, both are equally important.
Now this part is less general and a little more personal, but I have found that I have had better working experiences working for people who either have been or are current providers themselves. As well as people who work hard and have earned their spots at the top. I’m sure this is obvious, but let’s get into it I mean only past or present providers actually know what it is like to be in your shoes, and unfortunately for a lot of people, this mutual experience is necessary to be understanding and empathetic to their employees. I have worked for people who have been open about a husband fronting the money for their business, or inheriting it from a parent, etc. and while that is wonderful and I am sure some people in those situations are capable of being competent bosses- I have yet to have a positive experience in these situations. This is where working for someone who works hard and earns it comes in because if you don’t feel like your boss deserves to be the boss, or straight up doesn’t do a good job being a boss- you will become resentful, lack respect for them, and ultimately not be happy there. I work for people now who I have an immense amount of respect for. They have worked so hard and took a ton of risks and sacrifices to get to where they are. They are in a position where I am sure they could put their feet up a little, but they still don’t, as their work ethic never quits. It is so much more to them than just seeing their name on a building. They are without a doubt the hardest working people I have worked for, and it has been a complete game changer for me and my work experience. They have set out to truly do something different in this industry, and it’s been both a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of.
So let’s piggy back off that and talk more about how positive work culture trickles down from the top… when you see your bosses working hard, constantly learning, and earning what they have, it makes you root for them, and when they are rooting for you right back, encouraging your growth- that’s huge. It makes you want to be the best you can be. This is where I would also like to point out continuing your education. This is something that I think has gotten better these days due to social media, but it’s unbelievable how many business owners do not encourage continuing education. I have been in this field for 8 years, and in my last 10 months at this job, I have already learned more than ever before, and have earned about 10 additional certifications in the field. I have learned new services, used new devices, as well as attended numerous conferences and webinars. If I find, or am invited to an event I would like to attend, they gladly block my book that day, because my employers PRIORITIZE education.
I feel like if you are working somewhere that is not prioritizing your education, then they are doing you a disservice, and stunting your growth. If they are stunting your growth then you will remain stagnant and unfulfilled. You will feel like you’re falling behind in this ever-changing industry. Plus, if they are stunting your growth, then they don’t value you or care about the quality of your work. This is a RED FLAG. You want to be somewhere that promotes your growth, somewhere that invests in you and your future, and somewhere that is cultivating a culture of knowledge, respect, and innovation. That is how you remain relevant, happy, and have longevity in this field.
Honesty is key. Working for people who encourage me to be myself, and encourage me to be honest in the treatment room has had a great impact on my work and client relationships. Exhibit’s priority is the patient experience and education, which doesn’t involve being sales-y or shoving product down your throat. Don’t get me wrong, I want you to use medical grade skincare (please I’m begging you, use medical grade skincare) and I want you to get microneedling (please get microneedling done, you won’t regret it) but I want the client to always feel like it was there choice. I don’t ever want someone walking out the door like “what just happened?” because they spent all this money. When there isn’t the pressure to sell, and you don’t have a quota haunting you every shift, you can be honest with people and curate a treatment plan that suits their lifestyle.
Let’s revisit that C word- no not that one. Collaboration. We discussed collaborating with fellow providers but what about management? Do they value their staff’s opinions? Do they invite you to help brainstorm new ideas? Do they encourage your creativity in the treatment room? This is another area I’ve felt stunted in at past positions. Not anymore though! At Exhibit, they really value and respect everyone’s opinions and ideas. Coming up with new services, fun offerings, specials, or events is a true collaboration. Again, this is great for both business and morale.
Let’s get into morale… when morale is high, not only is the work environment positively influenced but the client culture is as well. When employers don’t harbor a constructive and inclusive environment, guess what? Clients FEEL THAT and they tell us all the time! Authentically happy employees, and creating an experience, to be candid, truly attracts a different caliber of clients. That’s why we say “Exhibit, it’s a feeling.” If you’re new to the field, or looking for new work, I know it’s hard to feel a place out before working there but check out their social media, their website, their mission statement, you won’t get the full story but you can somewhat grasp what a place is about. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs, but don’t let that deter you from this industry it took me 7 years to find my place, you’ll find yours too,