GREAT SPA TEAMS ARE BUILT ON SKILL, care and trust— but they also depend on understanding.

Why does one team member need time to process before responding, while another thinks best out loud?

Why does one employee thrive in fast-moving guest recovery moments, while another shines when creating systems, tracking details or supporting long-term client relationships?

Personality profiles and workplace assessment tools are not magic answers. They do not replace leadership, training or hard conversations. But when used well, they can give spa leaders a shared language for understanding how people communicate, make decisions, handle pressure, approach work and contribute to team success.

For spa owners, directors and department leaders, that knowledge can support everything from coaching and delegation to hiring, onboarding, team-building and retention.

THE BEST ASSESSMENT TOOLS DO NOT PUT PEOPLE IN BOXES. They help leaders ask better questions, spot patterns and understand how to support the whole person— not just the position on the schedule.

THIS AUTUMN, PULSE WILL EXPLORE several assessment and evaluation tools spa leaders may use to better understand their teams, including DISC, The Energy Exam, The Fascinate Assessment and other respected workplace tools.

Are you using assessment tools in your spa?

Pulse wants to hear from spa leaders who are already using personality profiles, strengths assessments, communication tools or other team evaluation resources.

Share how your spa is using these tools, what you’ ve learned and how the results have helped improve communication, role clarity, coaching, leadership development or team culture.

To take part in the upcoming feature, contact Pulse’ s executive editor: scot. gillies @ ispastaff. com.

l Communication style Who needs directness? Who needs context? Who needs time to reflect? l

Role fit Where does a team member naturally gain energy— and where are they likely to feel drained? l Motivation What makes someone feel valued, trusted, challenged or supported? l

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Leadership behavior How does a leader show up under normal conditions— and under stress?

Team trust How can teams reduce miscommunication and build greater appreciation for different work styles?

Retention How can better understanding help employees feel seen, supported and positioned for success?

PULSE n AUGUST 2026 43