I wanted to continue the train of thought from a recent blog about Collaborate Cultures. More specifically, how does it relate to franchising and what challenges can a franchisor fostering a Collaborate Culture expect?
The Collaborate Culture is one of 4 Cultural Styles the Zoracle SpotOn! Profile assesses to determine compatibility between franchisee and franchise system. I wanted to elaborate on the Collaborate (Clan) Culture a bit.
A franchisor fostering a Collaborative Culture will typically have excellent two-way communication and encourage franchisees to share concerns and ideas. The franchisor is sincerely interested in the well-being of the franchisee and not just financially. The franchisor goes the extra mile to mentor and encourage franchisees.
Franchisees who score Collaborate on their SpotOn! Profile will fit well within a Collaborate Culture. They appreciate being heard, cared about and part of a larger and dynamic family. As a franchisor you can count on someone who has scored high as a Collaborate Culture franchisee to fully participate and contribute to your system-wide values, best practices and goals.
Encouraging vs. Enabling
Naturally, Collaborate Cultures do have some challenges especially for the franchisor one of which is keeping balance between the need for profitability as a franchise company and providing for the needs of franchisee. A Collaborate franchisor often puts the needs of the franchisees ahead of profitability; this can be dangerous.
Additionally, there is a fine-line between mentoring and encouraging and enabling and co-dependency. Successful organizations foster interdependence. Interdependent relationships are equitable and balanced partnerships.
Collaborate Cultures can be very profitable as long as the franchisor can walk that tightrope and be cautious to bring on board only those who fit within their culture.
Warning!
Why the warning? I’ve seen franchisees who score as Compete Cultural fits within Collaborate Culture franchises who have marked out more and more territory and have no desire to collaborate with other franchisees or the franchisor.
Even more frustrating to me than a Compete Culture franchisee in a Collaborate Culture franchise system is the franchise broker or franchise development professional who put him/her there – ahh, now that’s another topic!
Culture is an important compatibility element when selecting a franchisee. Paul Segreto in his article When Culture is Out of Alignment says plan, define, foster and guard your franchise culture. I agree! For doing so, whether your franchise company culture is Compete, Create, Control or Collaborate it will reward you with strong brand equity and profitability.