Multi-Unit Conference Roundtables Identify 10 Best Practices

By: Kerry Pipes
Published: June 29th, 2011

Management Best Practices

Basic business fundamentals teach that organizations won't experience much prolonged success without strong leadership and management in place. It really does start at the top. Good managers understand that there are certain strategies and techniques that help create a positive working environment for their entire team. Of course the end result of this kind of management is a healthy business with satisfied customers.

Multi-unit franchise operators know that past a few units, they need help overseeing the empire. Unit and area managers often bridge the gap between the day-to-day operations and the franchise operator. They're the eyes and ears on the ground and in the stores. What they see, manage, and report back can be imperative to the ongoing success of the company.

At this year's Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas, a roundtable discussion among dozens of high-performing multi-unit franchise operators led to a list of 10 common themes related to management best practices. These 10 central ideas surfaced repeatedly around the tables as tried and true ways that operators can, and have, built more profitable operations.

1. Transparency - share unit metrics, P&L, etc. with managers: "If you measure it, it gets attention."
2. Create an ownership mentality among your managers.
3. Continually train and supervise managers. Supervisors as role models and leaders; should have respect of those under them.
4. Get rid of bottom performers to raise the bar for all employees.
5. Develop key performance indicators and share best practices and KPIs on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
6. Place best talent under best managers for their future development.
7. Foster fun and family - bowling, picnics, BBQs, cruises, sporting events; recognize birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
8. Reinforce mission statement, company culture, and values weekly with staff and managers.
9. Accountability: define expectations, measure performance, recognize and reward good performance.
10. Develop and maintain a clear and consistent evaluation program for employees.

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