Things to Consider When Taking on a New Team

When Sally and Jamie Brooks were told they had to leave their premises, an 18-month search began for a new home.

Based in the heart of Holborn, London, Brooks & Brooks had been in their current location for some 21 years. “We obviously didn’t want to move far, but the search for properties hadn’t found us what we wanted. But when a neighbouring salon was closing, it was the perfect premises to take over.”

The five-storey building is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment and is due to open end of May. So, as well as dealing with builders and architects, Jamie has also been spending time with the other salon’s team members who have joined their business. “The old salon was similar to us in that they worked with the same products, offered high quality services, so when some of their team members joined us, it wasn’t a total culture shock.”

However, when taking on an existing team there are things you need to consider. Jamie outlines how to make the transition easier for everyone…

1. Can you see it as a positive impact on your own business? Recruiting any team member must be good for your business. The people are joining your team, so they must sit within your existing brand. The hardest thing is aligning cultures, so sit down with new and existing team members and come up with a new model and set of values that sits with everyone.
2. Can you manage the expectations of the team members you are taking on? Will they sit alongside your existing team members and fit in with what you offer? You want to create one happy team, so you need to consider the feelings of new and existing members. They both need to feel special and valued.
3. Stick to your core values, don’t be tempted to move these to accommodate someone new.
4. Communication is key – regularly meet with new team members so any issues or concerns are dealt with straight away. If you do the work at the start, there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises down the line. Make sure everyone is updated on who your brand is.
5. Create an environment that feels comfortable and confident for everyone. You want them all to work with you, not forced to work with you.
6. Respect must be earned so always be upfront and honest with everyone about your plans and goals. Bringing team members together so everyone knows what is going on will avoid conflict and gossip.