Chapter Four: Communicating for Success
Cosmetologists should study and have a thorough understanding of communicating for success because
communicating with a purpose is the basis of all long-lasting relationships with clients and coworkers;
you must be able to verbalize your thoughts and ideas with clients, colleagues, and supervisors; you need
to be able to navigate sometimes complex and difficult personal issues with those in your work
environment; practicing professional communication ensures your clients will enjoy their experience with
you and return; and the ability to control communication and effectively express ideas in a professional
manner is a necessary skill for success in any career.
Human Relations (p.46-49)
The ability to understand people is the key to operating effectively in many professions.
Basics of Human Relations
• Human beings are social animals. We like to interact with others.
• When people are secure, they are happy, calm, and confident.
When people are insecure, they can be worried, anxious, and overwhelmed.
• You will, in your personal and professional life, encounter people and situations
that are difficult to handle. Try to remember that these people are feeling insecure
or they wouldn’t be acting that way.
Practical tips for dealing with situations you may encounter
• Respond instead of reacting (don’t let someone else dictate your emotions)
• Believe in yourself (trust your judgement)
• Talk less, listen more (you were given two ears and one mouth for a reason)
• Be attentive to your client’s needs and ask for help from a manager if you are
unsure how to handle a situation
• Take your own temperature (if you are tired or upset, it may affect your
interactions with clients- take a deep breath; get yourself settled)
Golden Rules of Human Relations
• Communicate from your heart; problem-solve from your head
• A smile is worth a million times more than a sneer
• It is easy to make an enemy and harder to keep a friend
• See what happens when you ask for help instead of just reacting
• Show people you care by listening to them and trying to understand their point
of view
• Compliment people even if you find them challenging or unpleasant
• For every service you do for others, do not forget to do something for yourself
