Do you ever wonder how your peers would handle a situation ?
SOUND OFF
Do you ever wonder how your peers would handle a situation ?
Maybe you ’ re curious what other leaders in the spa industry have to say on a certain subject . In Sound Off , we ask ISPA members from differing backgrounds , countries and companies the same question and see how their answers compare .
“ How do you create a strong workplace culture and a well-connected team ?”
JILL BARRON Ocean Reef Club Spa Director
“ Show them they are empowered . There is not one way to do something and there is no wrong answer as long as you ’ re trying . Trust , commitment and empathy as a leader helps them feel better as a team . Empower and encourage your employees .”
MARGARET LORA Mohonk Mountain House Spa Director
“ Our new hires go through a Mohonk House orientation . Then , the task force members take on that team member and work on the meet-and-greet and socialization to get to know everyone . Then , they do the more official spa training , which takes about a week . We also do a newsletter piece on them , as we don ’ t want them to get lost in the shuffle .”
BREANNA SAMEK The Edge Spa at The Lodge at Blue Sky – Auberge Resort Spa Manager
“ All of our guests get a departure survey when they leave the property , and they ’ re asked to evaluate each department . Those employees who get reviews are rewarded with our ‘ Skybucks ’ system .
We also have teammembers-of-the-month and we get to nominate who we feel should be teammember-of-the-month . One thing that we ’ re going to do more of , is highlight the small wins .”
JANA WESTERBEKE
Gadabout SalonSpas Co-Owner
“ My best piece of advice on building culture is really listening and catching people doing it right and spending the time to give people encouragement .
Holding employees capable instead of accountable is what we really live by .” n
LAST OCTOBER , A PANEL OF SPA PROFESSIONALS discussed “ Creating a Well-Connected Team ” as part of ISPA ’ s Town Hall series . Quotes on this page were pulled from the discussion , which was sponsored by Eminence Organic Skincare . Videos of this and other ISPA Town Halls are available on the ISPA YouTube page . To register for future ISPA Town Hall events , watch for announcements emailed to ISPA members or follow ISPA on social media .
58 PULSE n JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024