Stéphane Breault of Imagine Franchise Consultant Inc. shares insight into how the “permarevolution” is changing the face of franchise leadership 

By Stéphane Breault, Imagine Franchise Consultant Inc.

There is an infallible secret formula for success as a leader in franchising, and believe me, it’s easier than you think.

Yet, the franchising world is often hindered by outdated leadership that promotes adversity rather than collaboration. This leads to financial losses, legal fees, wasted time and energy, loss of value, and much more. But it’s time to change all that! You need to evolve your franchising leadership practices and collaborate without barriers to adapt to a new era.

The Permarevolution is a Game Changer for Franchisors

This “permarevolution,” fueled by technology, limitless access to knowledge, changing personal and social values, and the emergence of increasingly diverse societies, changes the game for franchisors.

Complexity is rapidly increasing:

The profitability of the business model is under pressure due to rapid changes in the market. Franchisors are no longer the only ones with the right answers; franchisees are also generators of solutions and expect to be heard and see profitable solutions emerge quickly.

The needs of franchisees, both in terms of support and personal development, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they want more from the franchisor. Brand adherence is increasingly difficult to achieve due to the vastly different viewpoints and cultures that make up our networks today.

How Can You Develop the Full Potential of Your Franchisees and Your Network?

By using the secret formula of leadership in franchising.

The “secret” formula is based on the exercise of influence rather than power. By influence, I mean the set of leadership behaviors exhibited by the franchisor that have an impact on franchisees. These behaviors fall into three themes that form the basis of the formula:

1. Behaviour demonstrating competence in franchising,

2. Behaviour that fosters mutual trust between franchisees and franchisors,

3. Behaviour that creates a positive and connected work environment that promotes engagement.

Reinventing Leadership in Franchising: The Plan for Unprecedented Success

Is leadership in franchising complex? Absolutely not! In fact, I am certain that this secret formula applies to all franchise and distribution networks. It ensures leadership that has a lasting impact, simpler than you can imagine.

It’s time to adapt our franchising leadership practices, foster a culture of synergy, and thrive in this new era. Ultimately, the performance of franchisees, not the franchisor, becomes the determining factor. Success relies on three essential elements that we can group into three transformative themes within the “secret” formula model.

The Model

By executing leadership behaviors that have an impact on franchisees, synergy is created, increasing the shaded area. The larger the shaded area, the more assured the success of the network.

Unifying the Three Pillars of Leadership in Franchising for Optimal Results

It is undeniable that all franchisors posses different degrees of the three essential aspects mentioned earlier.

The “Secret” Formula

While each pillar is important in itself, it is when franchisors resolutely unify their competences, their efforts to establish trust, and focus on creating a positive and connected work environment that powerful synergy emerges. This synergy createsa multiplier effect, amplifying the impact of each aspect, creating a cohesive and unstoppable force within the franchise network. This is the essence of the “secret” formula.

% competences X % trust X % connection= % success of leaders in franchising to better understand the formula, let’s examine some concrete examples. Improving overall franchisor competence:

Steps	Competence	Connection	Trust	Success
1	50 %	60 %	60 %	18%
2	75 %	60 %	60 %	27%
3	85 %	60 %	60 %	31%
4	100 %	60 %	60 %	36 %

Conclusion: By doubling the competence variable, you can double your success score. Similarly, by improving the “connection” with franchisees, you can enhance the overall success of your franchise network.

Example illustrating the improvement of connection with franchisees:

Steps	Competence	Connexion	Trust	Success
1	100 %	60 %	60 %	36%
2	100 %	75 %	60 %	45%
3	100 %	85 %	60 %	51%
4	100 %	100 %	60 %	60 %

Of course, these examples are simplistic and lack context, but they illustrate the fundamentals of the secret formula of leadership in franchising.

What Results are Within your Reach?

Thanks to impactful leadership behaviors, optimal results become achievable. Franchisees feel supported and inspired, resulting in improved performance, increased productivity, and heightened brand loyalty. In turn, franchise owners benefit from a network of highly motivated and engaged franchisees, driving the growth of the business, enhancing the brand’s reputation, and achieving overall success.

To achieve this unification, franchise owners must be resolute in their commitment to integrating these pillars of the “secret” formula into their overall practices and daily leadership behaviors.

How to Achieve Optimal Results

Confidently unifying the three pillars of the secret formula is the key to achieving optimal results. Franchise owners must recognize the importance of harmonizing these aspects and actively work towards their integration. When these pillars are unified, franchise networks thrive, franchisees excel, and the brand’s potential is maximized. It is through this resolute unification that franchise leadership transcends ordinary accomplishments and reaches extraordinary heights.

By embracing this secret formula, you can transform your franchise network into a flourishing and dynamic ecosystem. Together, you can navigate the ever-evolving market challenges, skillfully adapt to emerging trends, and seize every opportunity for exponential growth.

All in all, franchise leadership doesn’t have to be a complex labyrinth. By wholeheartedly embracing the transformative power of “connected” leadership and maximizing the secret formula, you can achieve it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stéphane Breault has been a CEO of Canadian franchise networks for two decades and a franchise expert for over 15 years. He has extensive franchise management experience, and his vision of franchising is clearly different. Unlike many franchise consultants who focus on the technical and tactical aspects of the business, Stephane works with CEOs and executives to become exceptional franchisors who value connected partnerships with franchisees. Stéphane has served as Chairman of the Canadian Franchise Association and the Association des MBA du Québec. In January 2018, he was elected to the Conseil québécois de la franchise Hall of Fame. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Panda Shoes and the Conseil québécois de la franchise.