The Dog Grooming Professional

In dog grooming being professional is not a constant. Professionalism is a defining characteristic for those groomers considering themselves successful. So, what does “being professional” mean?

Being professional can mean dressing smartly, and doing a good job. It may include having advanced degrees or other certifications, framed and hung on the salon wall. Professionalism includes these definitions. But, it also covers much more.

So, what is professionalism, and why does it matter? And how can you be completely professional in your day-to-day role? Today we’ll explore these questions, so that you understand how to present a professional image in the workplace, that will leave you feeling more confident and well positioned for your future.

The Formal Definition: The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person”; and it defines a profession as “a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.”

“Professionalism is not a label you give yourself, it is a description you hope others will apply to you.” Quote from David Maister True Professionalism

By recognizing and understanding the defining characteristics of professionalism you will develop a professional frame of mind that can be a road map to the kind of professional you want to be. The difference in who you are and who you want to be is what you do. We become what we visualize by what we repeatedly do.

Building Expert Knowledge

First and foremost, dog grooming professionals have specialized knowledge. Make a deep personal commitment to develop and improve your skills, and, where appropriate, proudly display your degrees and certifications that serve as the foundation of this knowledge.

Because dog grooming is not a regulated industry, not all groomers have a stable core of knowledge (and the academic qualifications that go with this). Dog Groomers are not required to prove extensive knowledge to practice; so not all groomers have degrees or certification in their field.

What matters, though, is that you as a professional have worked in a serious, thoughtful and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge and skills; and that you keep this knowledge up-to-date, so that you can continue to deliver the best work possible.

What are some resources you will use to build your expertise?

Positive Competency

Professionals get the job done. Be reliable, and keep your promises. If circumstances arise that prevent you from delivering on your promises, manage expectations up front in a timely manner, and do your best to make the situation right.

Professionals don’t make excuses, but focus on finding solutions. Be positive by shifting focus to what you can do. Relay what you can do to the customer rather than what you can’t.

What are some everyday examples a groomer experiences that require positive competency?

How can some of these situations be prevented?

Walk the Talk

Always practice standards of honesty and integrity. Integrity is what we do, what we say and what we say we do. Build trust by always keeping your word. Develop a reputation for not compromising your values, and always doing the right thing, even when it means taking a harder road. Your customers won’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

What are some standards of care that you are passionate about?

How can your routine practices help you to honor the commitments you make to your customers regarding?

Time? Work? Price?

In addition to this, be humble – if a customer request falls outside your expertise, do not be afraid to admit this. Ask for help when you need it, and be willing to learn from others.

Be Accountable

Professionals hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, especially when they’ve made a mistake. This personal accountability is closely tied to honesty and integrity, and it’s a vital element in professionalism.

Think about a conversation you’ve had or heard with a customer, where there was a mistake or injury on the dog. How can this be done with accountability and no excuses?

Become “Others Centered”

If you want to improve your professionalism, focus on developing your emotional intelligence. Be sensitive to the emotional needs of others. Learn to sense what clients and coworkers need, by becoming an active listener and closely observing what’s happening. Become “others centered”. Learn to play the hand you were dealt like it is the hand you wanted.

This will really help you to stay professional under pressure.

For instance, imagine you are faced with an irate customer. Instead of getting upset or angry in return, you exhibit true professionalism by maintaining a calm, business-like demeanor, and by doing everything you can to make the situation right.

Genuine professionals show respect for the people around them, no matter what their role or situation. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Don’t let a bad day impact how you interact with colleagues or customers. I have done some of my best work on days when I shouldn’t have felt much like working by remaining others centered. Grooming professionally requires the ability to focus on the dogs, and the customers. Just remember it’s not about you.

Be kind and polite and use good manners to everyone you meet, no matter what their role is, and no matter how you’re feeling. This might sound unimportant, but it makes a significant impact

Perception is reality

Professionals are prepared to greet their customers both physically and mentally. Timeliness and cleanliness extend to the quality of the salons appearance as much as your own. Be on time, wrinkle free, in appropriate dress for grooming, with hair well kept. Keep the shop hair free, and odor free, with records in good order. Your customers will form an impression of the job you do by how you do your job. A clean safe environment, reflects your personal standards. Because of this, your customers will form a confident impression from the start. You will attract the customers who appreciate your standards, before they’ve even experienced your grooming skills. Those are the customers I want to attract.

In Dog Grooming, professionalism is noted by people that others respect and value. That is why it’s so important to work to earn a professional reputation in your workplace. True professionals give their customers an experience that is more than what their customers expect. Happy customers and referrals build a loyal following, that can extend to generations over a career.

Your Work is going to fill up a large part of your life. and the best way to be truly satisfied in grooming, is to love what you do, and do great, professional, work.

Becoming Your Best: Developmental Worksheet

Now that you know what constitutes professionalism, consider how you are currently demonstrating these characteristics to the people around you. To build your own professionalism, focus on improving each of these characteristics.

Key Attributes