I am Lead Esthetician for a medical spa and would like help inspiring a co-worker. Maintaining a positive attitude is a must for all employees of our office and most are always in a friendly, helpful state of mind. Everyday I remember how lucky I am that I chose this profession and know I am lucky my clients choose me and continue rebooking.

Currently there is one other esthetician I work with and she does not seem to realize the power she has to control her destiny. One example is a regular client calling today for a last minute appointment. Instead of being grateful this clients chooses her, she was frustrated this person waited until the last minute. This is only one issue I have tried to help her see the light about. I do not want this post to be a long list of her faults (I'm not ready to post a long list of mine either) because she has a caring personality, terrific hands as well as a long list of other positives. I am only giving this example to help clarify my need.

What I would be grateful to hear, is your best tips for helping estheticians understand the power and responsibilty they have to build a career for themselves. We talk every work day, I ask her what her plan is for the day, give positive feedback and a few recommendations. Trade magazines and copies of articles (especially from the Preston website) are available for every employee. What effective things can I say to help her fully understand her duty as an esthetician and a professional of the serivce industry?

Thank you to all who actually made it to the end of this long winded post.

This is a great post Alicia, and I really like how you're approaching this challenge!



That said I'm too tired right now to give you a good answer but will think about it overnight!

Hi Alicia,

One of the very best things you can do is to lead by example, and it sounds like you are!

Secondly, it's important to not engage with her negativity or validate it. What I mean is that if she starts complaining about something inappropriately, try to change the subject or end the conversation. Negative people can really wear you out!

Sometimes you can get a dialogue going by asking only positive questions. "What did you like best about that class you took?" "What made you decide to get your esthetics license?" As a coach, I use positive questions to help people remember to think about the good, and not just dwell on the bad. For someone who is open to being more positive, it can be very uplifting.

Beware of trying too hard to help her though, especially if she isn't really open to being positive. She's got to want it for herself!

Jaya,
I was so excited to see you responded to my post. I visited your website recently and read the section on your blog regarding an employee leaving and turning the business or employers they are leaving into the evil empire. We just experienced this lately and it was great to read your suggestions on the subject. We have already sent her on her way with best wishes and have decided not to take her behavior personally, but we're human.

That said, thanks for your encouragement and suggestion to stay positive and direct conversations in that way. At the spa we are sometimes tired and force energy and happiness we don't always feel (headaches or sleepness nights as example here) when we are with our clients. There are times when she seems enthusiastic about my sugggestions or a particular new treatment/policy and I don't know if it is sincere.

I suppose that is not up to me. She needs to make her own decision about doing the most for her own career. As said before, she is a great person, works hard physically, dependable, honest and many other qualities. When do you know you can no longer invest in someone who won't do the same?

Thanks again for your input. By the way, great job on your website and your voice alone could soothe and encourage anyone.

Sincerely,

We've found the SCN training (repeatedly) makes a difference in "waking up to" or "renewing" what it's all about.

Re: Jaya-
"Thanks again for your input. By the way, great job on your website and your voice alone could soothe and encourage anyone. -Alicia


That is SO true, written or audible, you have a gift, Jaya!