Boost Your Leadership Skills for Your Franchise Business

As a Canadian franchisee, you are - or will be - a leader by default. Even if you have leadership experience, it's always a smart move to expand and improve your skills as much as you can. While you may have already taken some steps to improve your ability to lead, here are some more ways you can boost your skills and enhance your franchise.

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Take some classes

Classes are always a great way to learn, and these days, there are more online options if you are on a tight schedule. Take classes in areas that you know your skills could be improved and/or in areas in which you are just not confident.

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Engage in networking

You can learn a lot from other business owners, especially the successful ones in your industry. Watch what successful franchisees do in their own locations. Arrange to meet with them regularly so you can ask questions, discuss strategies and cover other business topics. You don't have to just focus on what has worked for those owners, either; you can also learn a great deal from the failure of others.

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Evaluate yourself honestly

It can be difficult to take a look at yourself and consider your mistakes and even successes. People tend to be their own biggest critics and loudest cheerleaders. Look at how you performed as a leader before to see what you do well and what you need to improve. The more you do this, the better you will get at finding that outside perspective. Don't stop doing this once your franchise is opening and running, either; there is always room for you to grow.

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Prepare to delegate some tasks

You won't be able to do every single task in your new business, even if you are a "one-person band." There will be times when a task or project just falls outside of your abilities. Focus on doing what you are good at, and prepare to outsource what you struggle with. This will let you spend your energy and time on what you do best, and you can draw on the strength of others for what you're not skilled in doing.

When you grow and hone your leadership skills, you'll give your new business a better chance of succeeding. Take the time you need to invest in yourself so you can emerge a stronger and wiser leader in your franchise.