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101 .5|
Human
relations

EXPLORE
What would the
world be like if
Eddy Van 3000 // CC BY-SA 2.0
there were no
relationships at all?

10 1 C.5 - 40 | LIFE SKILLS

“ We don’t get
harmony when
everybody sings
the same note.
Only notes that
are different can
harmonize. The
same is true “
with people.
—Steve Goodier
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HUMAN
RELATIONS

INSPIRE
Getting along with others helps
you in everything you do.

ACHIEVE
Following this lesson on Human
Relations, you’ll be able to:

• Point out the role personality, attitude

and habits play in human relations
• Compare respect, self-respect, self-
esteem and mutual respect
• Explain the meaning of professional ethics

FOCUS
HUMAN RELATIONS
Personality
Respect
Ethics

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101 .5 HUMAN RELATIONS
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HUMAN
RELATIONS

Have you ever had a hard ATTITUDES

An attitude is the specific and identifiable emotion and/or reaction one experiences and
time getting along with projects in dealing with the demands of life. Because your attitude is projected, it can have
someone? Chances are, an effect on those around you. A negative attitude, obviously, can have a negative impact
you have. The psychology on others. Projecting a positive attitude can have an uplifting effect on the people around
of getting along with others you. Attitudes can be changed.
is referred to as human
relations. Many factors
influence good human “Positive” and “negative” are the two words that typically describe attitudes. Other
relations in the workplace, descriptions include (but aren’t limited to):
including personality, respect
and your professional • Enthusiastic
• Caring
code of ethics. Long hours • Confident
of standing, high client • Defensive
expectations and the need • Aggressive
to increase your work pace • Fearful

can cause added stress. Be

sure that this stress doesn’t
negatively reflect in how you
deal with people.

Personality
Personality is defined as the outward
reflection of your inner feelings, thoughts,
attitudes and values. Your individual
personality consists of combinations of
many different human characteristics,
such as: An attractive personality, including a positive attitude, is one of your greatest assets in life.
The effect you have on other people is the charm revealed in your speech, appearance,
• Emotions behavior and manner. If you develop and nurture a positive attitude, you’ll make clients
• Attitudes feel good in your presence, and you’ll be able to help them look good and feel great.
• Skills
• Beliefs
• Values
• Goals

All of your experiences influence the

development of your personality, too.
These personality characteristics are not
quickly changed, but can be modified
over time.

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HABITS
Some people bite their nails, others bite their lips. Some
people drum their fingers, others tap their feet. The only
thing all these actions have in common is that the people
performing them are probably not aware of doing so.
These actions are very likely all habits.

Habits are defined as a routine of behavior that is repeated

Having a positive attitude
regularly and tends to occur unconsciously. A few notes to and practicing good habits
remember about habits:
are two keys to getting
• They are learned and reinforced through events
in your environment, which strengthen them.
along with people.
• Most habits are harmless actions that others
barely notice.

• Some ingrained habits are annoying.

You’re entering a service business and can benefit from

toning down or eliminating those habits others may find
annoying, as they can limit your potential for success.

Be Courteous

• Courtesy is polite behavior that shows respect for other people.

• Courtesy helps clients feel comfortable and relaxed with you.

• Manage your personal and professional schedule to avoid conflicts

with time.

• Arrive at work on time. Fifteen minutes prior to starting time is

preferred by most employers.

DiscoverMore
You can learn how to break bad
habits and build positive ones.
The first step is monitoring them.
Make a well-considered list of all
your habits. Review each item on
your list. Is each habit consistent
with the personal image you
want to present to others? If not,
begin a program of change now.
Many apps are available online
to help track your progress.

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HUMAN
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Respect
Respect is a feeling of deep admiration
for someone or something.

• Respect that people have for

themselves is called self-respect.

• Respect that people have for one

another is mutual respect.

SELF-RESPECT
Have you ever been asked to
do something that made you
uncomfortable or that you knew would
hurt someone else? Speaking up about
your feelings in situations like this is a
sign of self-respect. Think of self-
respect as pride in yourself and the
assurance that you are behaving with
honor and dignity. You simply feel
better about yourself and your ability.

A person with self-respect likes him or People who build self-respect:

herself. Through a process of self-
examination and self-improvement,
you actually are choosing to become
• Feel better about themselves, others and life in general

your own best friend. Paying attention

• Seek out other positive people

to what you like about yourself can

• Resist negative influences and steer clear of those who are stuck in negativity

help build self-respect.

• Expect, accept and embrace change
• Make the best of the positives in people and situations

Self-esteem is confidence and

satisfaction in oneself. As a form
of respect, self-esteem helps
maintain a good sense of self,
and this helps with others. Self-
esteem is a powerful motivator
that encourages us to improve
ourselves and work in positive,
productive ways.

Achieving or maintaining high

self-esteem is a lifelong process.
It’s normal to have days when you
don’t want to deal with personal
challenges. But allowing these
feelings to rule and prevent you from
connecting positively with others
isn’t in your best interest. If you
want to build positive self-esteem,
pick something that you enjoy, and
perfect it to the best of your ability.

10 1 C.5 - 46 | LIFE SKILLS

 POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM IN ACTION NEGATIVE SELF-ESTEEM IN ACTION
This person: This person:

• Shows resilience in the face of adversity • Fears adversity and authority figures
• Smiles a lot; has positive beliefs about family/society • Smiles rarely; holds limiting beliefs
• Displays lots of energy; sets and accomplishes goals • Tires quickly; avoids setting goals
• Forms long-term friendships • Tends to isolate from others
• Looks others in the eye and acts with confidence • Avoids eye contact with others
• Accepts risks; acts immediately • Avoids risks
• Demonstrates optimism • Demonstrates pessimism
• Tells the truth and keeps commitments • Bends the truth and doesn’t keep commitments

DiscoverMore
You’ll be working closely with clients in a
service business, so a healthy self-esteem is
beneficial in many ways. There are plenty of
ways to build self-esteem. Try searching online
for the top 5 or 10 ways to build self-esteem.

Self-
confidence
is the best
outfit, rock it
and own it.

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SALONCONNECTION
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Chart

QUALITY AND ACTION RELATIONSHIP TO CAREER: A successful professional...

• Shows up for work on time as assigned

Reliability • Calls the employer if not able to come to work
Fulfills obligations • Does the best work possible
• Accepts accountability for expected results, goals and client satisfaction

Enthusiasm • Smiles and displays an upbeat attitude

Cultivates an optimistic
• Shows interest in clients, co-workers and the profession
and energetic disposition
• Displays a personal warmth that is attractive to others

Sincerity • Promotes honesty with clients, co-workers and self

Acts authentically to • Follows through on commitments
benefit others and self • Acts and speaks with day-to-day consistency

Persistence • Provides client satisfaction, even in stressful situations

Turns setbacks into
• Offers retail, additional services and future appointments on an ongoing basis
comebacks
• Exhibits resilience; bounces back from mistakes

Emotional Balance • Responds calmly versus reacts impulsively; thinks before acting
Becomes more aware of
• Maintains a healthy physical condition to support energy level and stamina
and controls emotions
• Is polite, respectful and appropriate
• Identifies problems and offers solutions

Consideration • Makes adjustments based on client and co-worker needs and situations, from simple to
Considers the feelings complex, such as celebrations, illnesses or funerals
and needs of others • Displays a willingness to be flexible

Trustworthiness • Handles money, hours, equipment and pressure in an honest manner

Tells the truth even when • Informs management of issues that need to be resolved
it is unpopular to do so

Emotional balance, or self-control, is learned behavior that doesn’t always happen naturally.
A successful professional keeps emotions in check in the workplace. Achieving emotional
balance when working in the salon industry is especially important because it is a rapidly
changing profession that involves constant interaction with clients and co-workers.

10 1 C.5 - 48 | LIFE SKILLS

MUTUAL RESPECT
Mutual respect, the respect that two people have for one another, feeds each person’s need to feel valued.

How does mutual respect show up in the workplace? You don’t have to like everyone you work with to respect them. Even though
your co-workers may not be your best friends, if you show them respect, they will usually reflect it back to you. Mutual respect
helps create a positive and productive environment.

Building mutual respect at work will

often require you to take the first step.
You can’t control how other people
behave and whether they show respect
or not, but you can take responsibility
for your actions. Sometimes this means
showing respect first.

Here’s an easy way to grasp the Four Strategies to Demonstrate Respect at Work
elements of respect. Practicing these strategies and making them part of your natural way of doing things
will build mutual respect in the workplace. It will also result in earning respect from
your peers, your supervisors and your clients.
EXAMPLES OF RESPECT
1. Be courteous.
Self-Respect
Most people know the rules of common courtesy. It’s amazing how far a simple
“I like myself. I have qualities and “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me” and “I’m sorry” can go.
personal traits that I respect in
myself and others, such as strength 2. Be considerate of other people’s likes and dislikes.
of character, integrity, dedication,
generosity and steadfastness.” This People bring many different personal preferences to the workplace, and it’s only
list will be different for every person. natural to want to get your way whenever possible. What do you do when your
“like” bumps up against someone else’s “dislike”? Think about what’s really
Self-Esteem important to you and what’s important to those around you, and make allowances
when you can.
“I believe in myself and in my ability
to make my way in the world.” 3. Be sensitive to other people’s feelings.
Mutual Respect When people are stressed or facing difficult circumstances, they may not behave
“I have the confidence to live in rational or likeable ways. Take extra care with what you say and do to help
authentically and to recognize and others preserve their own dignity and self-respect.
appreciate the positive qualities of
others. I demonstrate my respect 4. Be interested in other people’s thoughts and opinions.
for others and others respect me The highest respect a person can show another is to listen and be interested to
in return.” what others have to say. Ask questions to get a deeper understanding. Try not
to be defensive when others have different views. You can value differences of
opinion without losing your own point of view.

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MUTUAL RESPECT DO’S AND DON’TS

DO DON’T

Do look at people when talking to them and when they’re Don’t get distracted or let your eyes wander.
talking to you.

Do compliment others for good work or effort and Don’t withhold praise in order to feel superior.
risk-taking.

Do send thank-you notes. Don’t take the kindness of others for granted.

Do smile at others. Don’t wait for others to smile at you.

Do respect other people’s time and keep your Don’t act as if everyone’s schedule revolves around you; don’t
commitments. assume that nobody notices when you don’t follow through.

Do open doors for others, especially for people who are Don’t assume that opening doors is old-fashioned or sexist.
weak or have their hands full.

Do use appropriate, respectful language. Don’t assume that foul language is “cool” or acceptable.

Do give your full attention to the task and people at hand. Don’t leave your phone on, make calls or send texts unless
necessary for vital communication.

Do maintain a professional appearance, and assess every Don’t dress provocatively or wear strong fragrances, and don’t
work situation and the effect of your behavior on others. eat or chew gum in most work settings, especially
when speaking.

SALONCONNECTION
Mutual Respect Builds Teamwork
Creating a harmonious salon environment depends heavily on teamwork.
As a member of a team, you can have a positive influence on the group.
Strong, positive, professional relationships and team spirit take time to build.
You can begin by establishing rapport with each person and working toward good
communication, understanding and teamwork every day. Following are some tips
on teamwork in the salon:
• Keep your workstation clean with all your tools in place.
• Place and store salon tools after each use to help avoid frustration.
• Respect confidences shared by peers or clients; this is essential to cultivating an
atmosphere of trust and sharing.
If you’re considerate and cooperative, you’ll add to your team’s success.

10 1 C.5 - 50 | LIFE SKILLS

Ethics
As you grow older, you begin learning what is right or wrong. As your personality
develops, you establish your own personal system of moral principles and values.
This system guides you and is your personal ethics compass.

Your personal ethics carry over into your profession. Professional ethics deal
with proper conduct in relationships with your employer, co-workers and clients.

Most professions have associations that establish a code of professional ethics for
their individual members. It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the
cosmetology code of ethics in your area.

Some of the responsibilities and ethics that will help you to build solid professional
relationships with your clients and co-workers are listed on the sample professional
code of ethics.

Sample Professional Code of Ethics

• Show respect for the feelings and rights of others.
• Be fair and courteous to your co-workers. Don’t attempt to win clients away
from them.

• Be fair and courteous to your clients. Be consistent in pricing your services.

Don’t show favoritism to certain clients.

• Be eager to learn new methods and techniques. Attend educational programs

that provide updated information or help you improve your skills.

• Represent yourself, your services and products honestly to the public. Do not
advertise a service you cannot perform.

• Set an example of good conduct and good behavior. Always cherish a

good reputation.

• Demonstrate loyalty to your employer and co-workers.

• Keep your word and fulfill your obligations. Never break the confidence
entrusted to you by a client or co-worker.

• Practice only the highest standards of infection control as provided by your

regulating agency laws. Keep your work area and tools spotlessly clean.

• Believe in and be proud of your profession, just as you believe in yourself.

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HUMAN
RELATIONS

Commitment to Excellence
Invest in yourself. Learn everything you can in school. Take an active part in school activities. Take
advantage of advanced education and seminars. After graduation, continue to invest in your education
by attending seminars, shows and workshops. Be a lifelong learner. Keep pace with what’s happening
in the industry. Become known for your willingness to share your knowledge and your enthusiasm for
the salon industry. There is no limit to the success you can achieve if you are willing to invest the time
and energy success demands of the true professional.

Getting along with others is as much of a skill as your technical skills. The salon world is filled with
creative, colorful personalities that you’ll encounter throughout your career. Learning to navigate
these relationships successfully will help you in everything you do—and not just the salon.

10 1 C.5 - 52 | LIFE SKILLS

Edgar Pierce // CC BY 2.0

LESSONS LEARNED
• Personality, attitude and habits play
an important role in human relations
because they are behaviors that can be
projected outward to other people.

• Respect is a feeling of deep admiration

for someone or something and is based
on positive traits such as reliability,
enthusiasm, sincerity, persistence,
emotional balance, consideration and
trustworthiness. Self-respect is respect
that people have for themselves. Self-
esteem is confidence and satisfaction
in oneself. Mutual respect is respect
people have for one another.

• Professional ethics deal with proper

conduct in relationships with your
employer, co-workers and clients.

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