Tip-Toe-Beans
I’m the only junior in the salon and I constantly feel like I’m tiptoeing around the other groomers. They’re great at what they do, but I’m scared to ask questions or speak up in case I annoy someone. How do I find my voice without rocking the boat?
Dear Junior Burger,
Those groomers that are “great at what they do” have all been the quiet one with the sore feet and the full bladder at some point.
Something I wish I was told when I was scrubbing bums and diluting shampoos is that you don’t have to be loud or obnoxious to have a voice - but you do deserve a seat at the dinner table - even if you are still learning which sized fork to use first (...or blade).
You might feel as though you’re being difficult by asking questions, but you’re actually being a good learner.
You might feel as though you’re overstepping by making a suggestion, but you’re actually showing initiative.
You’re not a burden, you’re a bloody asset!
But I do get it - you don’t want to seem pushy, needy or (heaven forbid) “too much”. So how do you find your voice without “rocking the boat”?
Here’s what worked for me:
Ask with intention. Instead of saying, “Sorry, this is probably a stupid question?” try, “Hey, I’m trying to understand this better – can you show me when you’ve got a minute?” It shows respect and confidence.
Own your growth. Say things like “I’m new to this, but I want to get it right” – people are more willing to put their time into you when they know you’re genuinely invested.
Watch and learn. You’ll start to notice who’s generous with their knowledge, and who treats you like a lingering anal gland stench that won't go away.. Spend your energy with the former.
Pick your moments. Busy Friday afternoon with 3 matted and anxious labradoodles? Maybe not the time for a 20-minute chat about finessing the art of the top knot. Slow Tuesday? Perfect.
And most of all - give it time! Building relationships takes time. Building trust takes time. You wouldn’t go in full guns blazing on a puppies first groom. But your voice, that can start showing up today.
As my grey hairs remind me, the days on the job are going to pass onto the next anyway - we can’t stop the clock (yes, I’ve tried taking the batteries out) - but we can choose how quickly we learn and improve.
And enjoy being a junior, because one day… when you're shaving down three matted and anxious labradoodles, a junior is going to have the audacity to ask you about top knots, and you’ll miss the days of your blissful ignorance.
From the junior who asked too many questions who became the senior (groomer, not citizen) running the show,
Barb-bye!
