If there is anyone who can add enormous value to a stressed franchisee at this time, it is their field manager (or whatever you call this role in your network). I have particularly noticed high calibre field managers focusing on three important areas - emotional resilience; financial management; and operational effectiveness. Here are nine tips field managers might like to  
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Be in business for yourself but not by yourself. While it’s a nice slogan, franchisors now truly have the opportunity to demonstrate the power of strong, caring leadership to help their franchisees navigate the current economic crisis. Here are seven strategies to help your franchise network come through in as good shape as possible. 7 strategies for franchisors to show the 
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As events have been unfolding around the world, we have all been going through an emotional roller coaster that feels something like this. It started with shock and confusion about what’s going on. It then moved to feelings of stress and anxiety about the losses associated with dramatic changes to our businesses and lifestyles. Then perhaps to frustration or anger with othe 
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The team at the Franchise Relationships Institute have been productively working from our homes for nearly 10 years. Given a number of you and your teams are likely to also be working from home over the coming months (as part of Coronavirus prevention) I’ll share some tips below that have worked for us. While we are a team of nine, the first three tips are relevant to workg 
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For several years an important part of my end of year break has been to participate in a four day retreat, hosted by friends who live in a beautiful, secluded Queensland valley. We meditate, reflect on our values, and enjoy the peace of a forest filled with chirping birds, inquisitive kangaroos and other fascinating native Australian animals. Driving into the valley thi 
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A few weeks ago I went to the doctor as I’d been feeling unwell following a trip to India. After he completed an initial diagnostic I jokingly asked, “Am I going to die?” to which he replied, “Yes…but not just yet.” He did, however, order a number of tests. Last week my phone buzzed, and I glanced at a text from the clinic, which I read as: The doctor has reviewed  
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I once read one of those stories that stay with you. It was about a business owner, let’s call her Janine, who was committed to growing and developing her team. Janine employed two new staff, Liz and Alex, both well-qualified, hard-working and keen to be part of the business. After observing them for a year, she promoted Alex to team leader, leaving Liz to continue in her c 
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When I was 12, I had an after-school job delivering medicine for Mr Wilson, the local pharmacist. He showed an interest in me and would tell me a little about each patient before I set out on my bicycle, satchel over my shoulder. He also always made a point of thanking me as I left to go home each afternoon. Mr Wilson was a sensitive man with a lot of empathy for other peop 
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Interdependent relationships, where you can’t just walk away when the going gets tough, can be both satisfying and frustrating. Think marriage, business partnerships, long-term supply agreements, and of course, the franchise relationship. Regular constructive conversations are essential to keep things on track. Over the past week, I and my team have conducted several wo 
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A common source of stress is meeting new people in unfamiliar social situations. For instance, starting a new job, moving into a new neighborhood, or attending networking functions. Something impressive I have noticed about our young cavoodle is his natural ability to make friends with strangers – dogs and humans. (He was even dubbed “Switzerland” at Puppy School becaus 
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