I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.
– Brene Brown
At my last salon visit, I was struck by my hairdresser’s seemingly innate ability to relate to each client in exactly the way they needed at that moment. I watched her at work, not only cutting and styling hair with great skill, but also exercising that unique insight she has in recognising what each client needed from her in terms of connection at that given moment. It was a delicate balance that she mastered with expertise.
Most hairdressers do seem to possess an uncanny ability to identify the inflection points their clients are experiencing and know how to interpret and relate to them as the moment arises.
They know how to respond, how to adapt, how to listen, how to connect to the emotions, (both overt and covert,) how to keep the balance between saying too much and letting you off load. They seem to expertly navigate their way around the varying degrees of conversation intensity that come up with each new client.
Granted, they get a lot of practice, as with every client interaction they will be increasing their awareness of human behaviour and needs. However, don’t we all have as much opportunity to practice our observation, listening and communication skills? We just perhaps choose not to use them.
Imagine how powerful our interactions could be if we were all tuned in to others as much as the best hairdressers? Imagine how many inflection points you’d actually see and manage well in order to make the other person feel as good as those that leave a salon not only with shiny new hair but also a big weight off their shoulders?