Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/15024
Good Business Basics CHAPTER FOUR Work Relationships W hether you work in a coffee shop, the international space station, an esthetics school, the White House, or a spa, you will encounter a similar challenge sometime in your working life—how do I work with these people? Your ability to get along and work with your coworkers arguably will be one of the most challenging aspects of your professional career. This is not unique to the skin care profession; any work situation that has more than one employee faces this challenge. WORK EXPECTATIONS Many practitioners report that expectations are a common area of conflict. As an employee, what is expected of you? If at a spa, you may be expected to perform tasks outside just the delivery of skin care services. Will you need to answer the phone? Clean the treatment rooms? Act as a host for clients? Take out the trash? Many practitioners have been surprised when they found out their employer expected them to perform these tasks. In many cases, it does not matter whether you are classified as an employee or an independent contractor. Your view toward performing additional tasks matters, but more important is whether you and your employer are in agreement about these responsibilities before you commence work. If you are paid by commission per session, but you will be performing additional tasks, will you be compensated for them? How and at what rate? Some practitioners have expressed dismay over the assignment of non-practice duties, while others assume that comes with the territory, especially when working at a spa or health club. But remember to keep these challenges in perspective—what if you were running your own business? Then, there would be times you’d be the janitor, the receptionist, and the esthetician—perhaps all at the same time. WORK WITH OTHER THERAPISTS Culture, upbringing, values, needs, and behavioral characteristics are all elements that make individuals unique. While each of us appropriately takes pride in our special features, our uniqueness can sometimes become a point of conflict. Identifying and recognizing differences is an important facet of our interactions with others, whether a client or a coworker. Most important is the ability to realize those differences and respect them. In a multiple-practitioner setting, another challenge is working side by side with other estheticians. In many cases, no hierarchy is established. Respecting the work and training of other therapists, as well as the integrity of the client, are important pieces of establishing a professional work environment. Working in any group environment—whether a team, business, or volunteer activity—will on occasion create conflict among its members, whether related to a specific task, responsibility, or a simple difference of opinion. Succeeding in a work environment can be contingent on recognizing which issues really matter and whether or not it means enough to stick to your guns. The discipline of active listening and walking in someone else’s shoes can many times manage a conflict to a more productive resolution and contribute to a better working environment. www.ascpskincare.com successful business handbook 45