Breaking Down Barriers
The Power of Teamwork in Franchising
Franchising is a dynamic and powerful business model, but its success hinges on a fundamental principle: teamwork. Unfortunately, many franchise systems are plagued by barriers that prevent effective collaboration. These challenges often arise from miscommunication, misaligned goals, and a lack of trust between franchisors and franchisees. Such issues not only undermine the profitability of the franchise but also create a tense working environment that stifles innovation and growth.
For a franchise system to thrive, it must embrace the philosophy that franchising is, at its core, a team sport. This blog explores the common barriers to teamwork in franchising, their consequences, and how a system can start to break down these barriers to create a unified and thriving franchise system.
The Barriers to Effective Teamwork
The phrase “teamwork makes the dream work” may sound cliché, but in franchising, it’s a critical truth. Here are some common barriers that hinder collaboration within franchise systems:
Misaligned Objectives:
Franchisors and franchisees often have different priorities. While franchisors focus on brand consistency and long-term strategy, franchisees may prioritize immediate profitability. Without alignment, these conflicting objectives create friction.Lack of Communication:
Poor communication between franchisors and franchisees is a common issue. Whether caused by unclear directives from leadership or franchisees who fail to voice concerns, this breakdown can lead to confusion and resentment.Trust Deficit:
Franchisees may perceive franchisors as overbearing or disconnected from the day-to-day realities of running a location. Conversely, franchisors might view franchisees as resistant to change or uncooperative, leading to mutual distrust.Silo Mentality:
Franchisees often operate in isolation, competing with other locations instead of working collaboratively. This "every man for himself" attitude limits the collective potential of the network.
The Consequences of These Barriers
The impact of poor teamwork on a franchise system is significant and far-reaching:
Reduced Efficiency: Lack of collaboration slows down decision-making and execution. For example, if a new marketing campaign isn’t communicated effectively, franchisees might implement it inconsistently, diluting its impact.
Franchisee Dissatisfaction: Disconnected franchisees feel undervalued, leading to low morale, decreased engagement, and even attrition.
Stagnated Growth: A lack of trust and alignment can make it difficult to implement system-wide initiatives, limiting the franchise’s ability to scale effectively.
Brand Erosion: Inconsistent operations and poor communication can tarnish the brand’s reputation, affecting customer loyalty.
Case Study: Teamwork in Action
Let’s look at a real-world example where teamwork transformed a franchise. A mid-sized restaurant chain was struggling with declining sales and franchisee dissatisfaction. The franchisor introduced new menu items, but franchisees were resistant, citing increased costs and training requirements.
The root of the issue?
The root cause of the issue was a lack of collaboration and trust. Franchisees felt excluded from the decision-making process, while the franchisor believed the changes were necessary to stay competitive.
After attending my "Better Together" keynote, the leadership team implemented the below recommendations:
They formed a franchisee advisory council to provide input on future programs, including menu updates.
Regular communication sessions were established and involved all franchisees to address concerns and share progress.
Training programs were revamped to include franchisee feedback, ensuring that they were practical and effective.
The result?
Sales increased by 15% within six months, and franchisee satisfaction scores jumped by 25%. By breaking down barriers and fostering teamwork, the franchise regained its momentum.
Is your franchise ready to unlock its full potential? Then don’t let barriers to effective team work hold you back.
You can set up some time to talk to me and take the first step toward a stronger, more collaborative franchise network.
Why You Should Have Evan Speak at Your Next Event
Evan Hackel is more than just a keynote speaker—he’s a franchising veteran with a proven track record of success. As the CEO of Ingage Consulting, Evan has launched more than 20 businesses and managed a portfolio of brands with system-wide sales exceeding $5 billion.
Evan’s expertise in transforming disconnected franchise systems into thriving networks is unparalleled. His “Better Together” keynote embodies his philosophy that collaboration isn’t just about working together—it’s about achieving greatness together. To learn more about Evan’s keynotes, visit evanhackel.com/keynote-speaking.
Or contact him to book a discovery meeting.
The Power of Evan’s Keynote Better Together
Evan Hackel’s "Better Together" keynote is designed to address the barriers to effective teamwork head-on. With decades of experience in franchising, Evan understands that true success lies in building strong, collaborative teams.
These are some of the features of Evan’s dynamic keynote:
1. Game-Based Learning:
What sets "Better Together" apart is its interactive approach. Evan uses a unique, game-based format to illustrate the importance of teamwork. Participants engage in activities that simulate real-world challenges, fostering an “aha” moment about the power of collaboration.
2. Role Clarity and Trust Building:
The keynote delves into the roles of franchisors and franchisees, providing clarity on their respective contributions to the system’s success. By addressing misconceptions and fostering mutual respect, it builds a foundation of trust.
3. Real-World Strategies:
Evan doesn’t just talk about teamwork—he provides actionable tools and strategies. From improving communication channels to creating alignment around shared goals, attendees leave with practical solutions they can implement immediately.
