At the recent NSW Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) State Conference, Peter Ritchie, chairman of Mortgage Choice Australia and the first employee of McDonald’s Australia listed 10 ways to be a better leader, and they’re applicable both for franchisees and franchisors.
During the 1970s and 80s Ritchie was fundamental in McDonald’s’ development throughout Australia, from establishing suppliers to building new stores and developing training programs. During his time as chief executive of McDonald’s Australia, Ritchie grew the franchise to more than 500 stores.
Ritchie delivered a presentation at the NSW State Conference on his experiences in the franchising industry, saying that if he had his time again he would pay more attention to training.
He insisted that successful franchises require strong and respected franchisors as their leaders, providing the following tips on effective leadership. These tips. however, can also be used by franchisees to more effectively manage their own staff.
10 tips for better leadership
- Accept total responsibility for building the spirit of your team
- Be the leader your people want
- Commit to your people that you are going to make them the smartest in the industry
- Ensure you have outstanding communication. Be completely open and don’t stand for rumours or politicking
- Ensure all team members “fit”. Take responsibility to get rid of poisonous individuals
- Create change. This stops boredom and creates vitality
- Work at recognising people
- Work at making your jobs (work environments) fun
- Take some chances – people like that in a leader
- Trust your instinct