Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1547346
Explore your benefits at ahphair.com 63 5 NO. 5: STAY TEACHABLE WITHOUT CONSTANTLY STARTING OVER We should absolutely continue learning while recognizing that experience has value too. But for me, it's about being intentional about teachable moments, both as an educator and as a student. I think about the things I need to be stronger at, then research the individuals I feel I could learn from in the most productive manner. I think about that when I'm the educator too. I don't want to teach something simply because it's trending. I like to teach from experience. Being teachable without constantly starting over isn't necessarily about making another pivot in your business. It's about homing in on areas where you could be stronger that aren't always technical. As beauty professionals, we have access to tons of technical education. ere are many haircutting and hair coloring classes. But I think we could use more styling and finishing, business acumen, makeup artistry, and interpersonal skills education. We can't ever forget that we work in a service industry, which means we are in service to another individual. is means that interpersonal communication is part of being a skilled service provider. Knowing how to communicate with a client, set expectations, listen, navigate an uncomfortable conversation, and read the room can be just as important to the longevity of your career as learning technique. Sometimes the next level of your career isn't about starting over or completely reinventing yourself. Sometimes it's about being honest enough to identify the gaps, humble enough to learn something new and experienced enough to know which lessons you need. BUILD A LONG-LASTING CAREER e goal isn't to keep reinventing yourself every time the industry changes. It's about building a career that's capable of changing with it. You want a sustainable career. You don't want to get burned out and eventually feel like you're tired of doing the same thing over and over. Assess where you are in your life and career. What no longer serves you? What do you want to continue? What needs to change? I make these types of assessments regularly. I sometimes find myself asking, "Is what I do really making an impact?" And the answer is yes! I'm making an impact for the person who sits in my chair and gets a moment to escape. e industry will continue to change. Trends will continue to change. e question is whether you're building a career that can change with them without losing yourself in the process. at's what it means to be built to evolve. UNSPLASH