It’s time for a humble brag. Not about me exactly. Actually, it’s about the great company I work for. I’ve always felt fortunate to work for Great Clips, but a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to represent Great Clips at two events that reminded me how incredibly proud I am to be part of this organization.
The first event was to celebrate the Minnesota Business Ethics Award (MBEA) winners. Great Clips won the top-ranking spot for mid-sized companies in Minnesota back in 2010, and since then, we’ve taken an active role in sponsoring the event. What an incredible honor to watch business leaders in the state promote doing business the RIGHT way, and then honor the businesses that are making that a priority in their operations. I was reminded how important it is for me to be working for an organization that not only values accomplishment and setting the bar high, but also values kindness and fun. In other words, doing it the right way.
The second event was the induction of eight women into the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Hall of Fame, including our very own CEO Rhoda Olsen. Rhoda’s personal and professional story is helping other women (and men) become business owners, all the while leading Great Clips to become a billion-dollar company and the fastest growing salon brand.
“See Her Differently” was the theme for the NAWBO event, and it struck me that we all need to do more of that. In her acceptance speech, after Rhoda acknowledged the thousands of people who make up the entire Great Clips organization, she thanked her brother, Ray Barton, who is the chairman of the Board of Great Clips and former CEO. She credited a large part of her success with Great Clips to him, as he was the one who saw her differently. She said, “He saw something in me that I didn’t even know was there. He encouraged me, and pushed me.”
I can point to a number of key people in my own career who saw me differently. They took a chance because they saw the opportunity to coach and build upon the raw potential, and without them, I would never be where I am today.
So, now I find myself challenged to see them differently, too. What does it really even mean to “see people differently”? Who are the people with talent and potential who need to be pushed to the next level, and are perhaps waiting for someone to believe in them enough to do it? I am choosing to look for the qualities that Great Clips embodies—the desire to exceed expectations, to listen and earn trust, and to do things the right way—even if it’s the tougher choice.
Whether it’s being recognized for making the right choices or encouraging women to press forward into their own success, Great Clips shows up again and again on the lists of people and companies that are doing it right. I am so grateful to be part of this great community.
When did someone see you differently, in a way that made a difference in your life? I’d love to hear your story. Send me a note or give me a call. And, if you’re interested in knowing more about being a Great Clips franchisee, I’d love to talk to you about that, too!