Franchisees & The Leadership Skills Required For Success

In Australia, most small businesses don't make it past 5 years. But running a franchise is different because you get support from the franchisor. Still, to thrive as a franchisee, you need some important skills, and leadership is one of them. Below, we dive into the 6 key leadership skills you need for a successful franchise business.

Overview: 5 Key Leadership Skills

Self-awareness
Calm under pressure
Solution-focused
Trusting
Organised

Let's take a deeper look at the qualities you'll need to work on as part of your personal development as a franchise owner.

Quality #1 - Self Awareness

Knowing yourself is crucial. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you plan better, manage stress, and make smarter decisions. It’s all about controlling your actions and guiding others effectively.

Quality #2 - Calmness Under Pressure

Problems are part of the franchise game, and you can't avoid them. But you can control how you respond. Staying cool when things heat up leads to better outcomes. Remember, it’s not about stopping issues but handling them well.

Quality #3 - Solution Focused

While keeping calm is important, you also need to be practical and focus on solutions, not just problems. Tackle issues head-on by looking for ways around them, not just dwelling on the negatives.

Quality #4 - Trust In Others

You can’t do everything alone – there are only so many hours in a day. Delegating is key, and that means trusting your team. You’ve picked them for a reason, so let them show what they can do without micromanaging every step.

Quality #5 - Strong Organisation

In the fast-paced world of franchises, being organised is non-negotiable. Whether it’s through a diary or digital tools, keeping track of your schedule – from staff appraisals to deliveries – is essential to keep everything running smoothly.

The Importance of Leadership in Franchising Success

Effective leadership is not just a beneficial trait in the franchising business; it's a cornerstone for success. It influences the entire team's morale, motivation, and ultimately, the business's profitability.

Studies suggest that leadership training can enhance personal performance by up to 20%, a significant figure that underlines the importance of developing strong leadership skills.

Exploring Leadership Styles

Understanding your leadership style is crucial for effectively managing your team and driving your franchise towards success. Here are the six common types of leaders found in the business world:

The Coach: Like a mentor, the Coach finds what each person does best and helps them get even better. This leader is great at boosting team spirit and growth, but it does take a lot of time to focus on each person.
The Visionary: These leaders are all about big ideas and moving the team forward. They’re great at inspiring people with the big picture, but they might miss out on the little daily details.
The Servant: Servant leaders put their team's needs first, building strong bonds and a happy team. However, they might struggle to take charge when needed, and it can be tiring always putting others first.
The Autocrat: This leader is all about making decisions and expecting quick results. It’s good for fast action but might limit creative thinking and team input.
The Laid-Back Leader: Here, the boss trusts the team to do their own thing, which can boost creativity and independence. But, it might not work well for newbies who need more guidance.
The Democrat: This type involves everyone in decisions, which can lead to creative ideas and happy teams. However, making decisions can take longer because everyone’s opinion is considered.

Picking the right leadership style for you and your franchise is key. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best fit depends on what your team needs and the challenges you face. Understanding and applying the right leadership approach can make your franchise more successful and create a positive work environment.

Empower Your Franchise With OCA Online Education Courses

Your success as a franchise leader greatly depends on your leadership skills. If you feel you could use some help in this area, you’ve come to the right place.

Our CPD-endorsed online courses, such as our Franchising Leadership Skills Bundle, is a great way to upskill and take your leadership skills to the next level.

What makes our courses stand out is that they're broken into easy-to-understand modules and videos. With just a smartphone and a quick 10-minute break, you can finish a module and gain the crucial skills your business needs.

Want to find out what it’s like to study at Online Courses Australia? Watch our Student Study Demo to get a taste of the OCA difference.

Looking for more courses? Check out our most popular courses, or visit our expansive course library that covers more than 20 professional industries.

If you’re ready to enrol or have additional questions, reach out to us at 1300 611 404 or [email protected]. We’re here to help you take your career to the next level!

Franchising Leadership FAQs

How can I identify my leadership style?

You can identify your leadership style by reflecting on how you handle decision-making, challenges, team interactions, and feedback. Consider seeking feedback from peers or using leadership assessment tools.

Can I combine different leadership styles?

Yes, many leaders find that a combination of styles works best, depending on the situation and team needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key in effectively managing a diverse team.

How can I improve my leadership skills?

Improving leadership skills involves self-reflection, seeking feedback, continuous learning (such as online courses, and reading), and real-world practice. You can also consider mentorship or coaching for personalised advice and growth.