How do you handle franchisee resistance to innovation in your system?

1 Understand the reasons

The first step to handle franchisee resistance is to understand the reasons behind it. Franchisees may resist innovation for various reasons, such as fear of change, lack of trust, perceived costs, or uncertainty about the benefits. By listening to your franchisees and empathizing with their concerns, you can identify the root causes of their resistance and address them accordingly. For example, you can provide clear communication, training, support, incentives, or feedback to help your franchisees overcome their fears, doubts, or objections.

2 Involve your franchisees

The second step to handle franchisee resistance is to involve your franchisees in the innovation process. Franchisees are more likely to accept and adopt innovation if they feel that they have a voice and a stake in it. By soliciting their input, feedback, and suggestions, you can make them feel valued and respected, as well as gain insights into their needs, preferences, and challenges. You can also create a franchise advisory council or a pilot group to test and refine your innovations before rolling them out to the entire network.

3 Demonstrate the value

The third step to handle franchisee resistance is to demonstrate the value of your innovations. Franchisees are more likely to embrace innovation if they see how it can benefit them, their customers, and their bottom line. By showing them the evidence, data, or testimonials that support your innovations, you can convince them of the positive outcomes and impact that they can expect. You can also use case studies, success stories, or best practices from other franchisees or similar businesses that have implemented your innovations.

4 Recognize and reward

The fourth step to handle franchisee resistance is to recognize and reward your franchisees who adopt and implement your innovations. By acknowledging and celebrating their efforts, achievements, and results, you can motivate and encourage them to continue innovating and improving their performance. You can also use incentives, rewards, or recognition programs to inspire and attract other franchisees to follow their example and join the innovation bandwagon.

5 Lead by example

The fifth step to handle franchisee resistance is to lead by example. As a franchisor, you have the responsibility and the opportunity to set the tone and the direction for your franchise network. By demonstrating your commitment, enthusiasm, and vision for innovation, you can influence and inspire your franchisees to follow suit. You can also model the behaviors, attitudes, and skills that you expect from your franchisees, such as being open-minded, curious, flexible, and collaborative.

6 Nurture the culture

The sixth step to handle franchisee resistance is to nurture the culture of innovation in your franchise network. Innovation is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires ongoing support, communication, and learning. By creating and maintaining a culture that values, encourages, and rewards innovation, you can foster a sense of ownership, engagement, and loyalty among your franchisees. You can also use platforms, tools, or events to facilitate the sharing, exchange, and diffusion of ideas, knowledge, and best practices among your franchisees.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?