Maximising productivity isn’t about working them harder – it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive, perform and feel invested in the growth trajectory of the business.
Here, Frank Milner, global president of Tutor Doctor, shares his advice on how to get the very best out of your team so your franchise doesn’t just run smoothly, but continues to grow.
As a leader, you need to set the standard right out of the gate. If you lay down clear expectations, it’s more than likely you’ll be able to create a confident team.
But how do you achieve that? Well, to start with, people need to know what good looks like – and to do that, you need to share your vision. Every team member needs to understand their role and how it correlates to what you want them to achieve. Consistency, in this regard, is imperative – fair rules, applied evenly, not only build trust but also accountability in your franchise too.
I’m a big believer that you need to train for today and for tomorrow. Productivity follows on from preparation. You should be investing time in proper onboarding processes and, subsequently, ensuring access to high-quality ongoing training.
Continued learning and professional development should be emphasised and accessible at all times. Refresher sessions, skill development resources and career progression paths are all really good ways of matching the levels you set out through your vision. At Tutor Doctor, we really invest in this, granting our franchisees access to an online portal where they can utilise a raft of resources which are necessary in their own growth and that of their team too. We also have weekly global calls with development topics, which has also become an essential asset to us in our ongoing success. To be even better equipped, cross-train your staff so they can effectively and efficiently step into different roles when needed.
Next, we have communication. Open, two-way communication really is a superpower if you can master it triumphantly. It’s such a useful tool to keep everyone on side, engaged and moving together in the same direction.
Hold regular check-ins and team meetings, but make sure to keep them purposeful – if they repeatedly fail to deliver meaningful outcomes, your team will quickly come to see them as a waste of time – an inhibitor on the important work that needs to get done.
You should also be open to feedback. Creating an environment where it is encouraged will stand you in good stead for making productive changes to your franchise. Remember, your staff will often see room for improvement before you do – listening to their advice is essential.
Motivation really matters too. Recognise your team’s efforts publicly – praise goes a long way in boosting morale and therefore productivity.
A great way to do this is to introduce incentives that fit your team – generic rewards might work, but again, being flexible is crucial. Think team celebrations, bonus schemes or lifestyle perks. You need to show people they’re valuable and not seen as just individual workers but as their own person.
Finally, you need to lead by example. A productive team, in my experience, reflects a productive leader. Set the tone with your own behaviour by demonstrating resilience, positivity and professionalism – even when you’re under pressure. Being approachable and supportive – such as maintaining an open-door policy – is a great way to show your commitment to your team while keeping high standards at the forefront of everything you do.
So, your biggest asset isn’t the location, product or marketing – it’s your team, and nothing drives a franchise forward quite like it. When you invest in training, communication and motivation, your team’s productivity will take care of itself.
In other words, build a culture where people want to give their best and your business will continue to thrive because of it.
