In International Multi-Unit Leadership, Chris Edger builds on his earlier Effective Multi-Unit Leadership. First - showcasing up-to-date, contemporaneous case studies of market-leading international organisations - the book takes a cross-border perspective on leading from the middle in international subsidiaries that are committing significant capital to land-based multi-unit infrastructures. Secondly, it captures the zeitgeist of internationalizing hospitality, retail, service and leisure organizations facing challenges in relation to multi-channel/smart technology spread, divergent national cultures and emergent, imitative local competition. Thirdly, it addresses the conundrum that most subsidiary multi-unit leaders (regional, area and district managers) face, generating commitment amongst their unit managers and team members, whilst coping with their firm’s country of origin-based control and change agendas. Continuing the themes that emerged in his earlier book, particularly around how multi-unit leaders (MULs) and directors are expected to expedite a number of competing and contradictory functions, the author finds that in subsidiary-based international situations, complexity and ambiguity escalates due to 'distance decay' and the level of internal and external contextual turbulence. Based on exemplary case studies, the author examines how high-performance MULs manage paradox and ambiguity within an international context and how organizations can deliver local effectiveness within a strategic framework determined by a policy-making centre hundreds or thousands of miles away. The research and case studies in this book will appeal to managers within international multi-unit enterprises, service directors wishing to train and coach others, students on any of the increasing number of multi-unit management programmes being run in business schools, and academics with an interest in internationalizing service-based enterprises.

Multi-Unit Leadership is the best-selling book used in over 170,000 businesses worldwide. Managing multiple units requires significantly different skills than managing just one. This book details those skills in seven distinct stages and shares the best practices from successful multiunit leaders worldwide. Perfect for regional managers and franchisees who need to know the difference between hands-on management and indirect influence. Written in a detailed and fun format perfect for today's Digital Age leaders, Multiunit Leadership examines the unique role and requirements of managers who are responsible for two to forty units. Our research with over 500 successful Multi-Unit Leaders (MULs) reveals the best practices and unique expertise that differentiates high-performing mulitunit leaders from average ones. Chockablock-full of specific examples, expert opinion and case-study scenarios, the seven leadership stages outlined in the book include: Brand Ambassador, Servant Leadership, Marketing Guru, Head Coach, Talent Scout, Synergist and Goal-Getter. You'll learn how to better manage time and projects, how to develop stronger teams, how to get maximum impact from your store visits, and how to consistently build sales by working smarter, not harder. Readers can assess their own strengths and challenges compared to the industry's best MULs at the end of each chapter and compile their own best practices relative to people, performance, and productivity. Companies using the book include McDonald's, American Express, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Target, Jiffy Lube, Supercuts, Applebee's, and Sam's Club.

There is a growing recognition of the increasing importance of ’local leadership’ practice within multi-unit service contexts, given the threat to costly land-based retail infrastructures from smart technologies. Multi-site organizations are economically significant, but currently under-researched and poorly understood. In Effective Multi-Unit Leadership, Chris Edger looks at that key managerial cohort in the retail, hospitality and service sectors operating between the centre and unit - the Multi-Unit Leader (MUL). This district, area or regional manager, is tasked with maximising revenue and profit from a complex and ambiguous positional space, being sandwiched between the centre and unit, facing the MUL paradox: how do they motivate unit managers and team members to provide great service whilst simultaneously fulfilling the Centre's compliance agenda? Based on extensive case study research across a range of multi-unit service organisations, Edger advances an Integrated Model of MUL that elucidates how key activities (sales-led service, systems and standards - 3Ss) are driven through behavioural practices (commitment, control and change - 3Cs) underpinned by MUL personal characteristics (expertise, emotional intelligence and energy - 3Es). Central to this model is the notion of ’portfolio optimisation through social exchange’ (POSE) where MULs apply ’local leadership’, leveraging their portfolios through the deft application of exchange-based currencies. Replete with case studies, Effective Multi-Unit Leadership will appeal to high potential unit managers; existing multi-unit leaders who want to improve their performance levels; and retail/service directors wishing to train and coach their direct reports; as well as business educators and those with an academic interest in organisational studies.

We live in a world of continuous uncertainty and on the brink of a massive digital and AI-powered shift. What should leaders do? The answer is not to shy away from inevitable changes and more uncertainty, but to have the courage to face it. Leaders need to take charge by embracing new technologies and ideas and converting these into opportunities for leadership innovation. The best ways for leaders to predict the future is to help create the future. Future Shaper is about giving back a sense of control. It's about empowering leaders to take charge and shape the future. Niamh O'Keeffe asks leaders to re-calibrate their leadership skills to include imagination and courage, to embrace innovation and drive growth and create a better future. Future Shaper helps readers to: · Embrace new digital technologies, understand AI and equip themselves for those not-yet-invented challenges · Gain insights from today's successful leaders · Make an impact and feel more in control using an easy-to-understand leadership framework

Building upon his earlier book Effective Multi-Unit Leadership (described by the Leadership and Organization Journal as ‘one of the key books of its kind for this decade’) Professor Chris Edger has produced a book that clearly defines and outlines the ‘professional practice’ of outstanding retail Area Managers. Bursting with real-life Case Studies this book will be essential reading for General Managers who aim to go further up the chain of command and Area Managers who want to be the best! Professor Edger outlines how Area Managers can ‘close down the distance’ between themselves and their units in order to optimise performance. Without abandoning academic rigor he produces essential ‘how to’ checklists for the ambitious GM or Area Manager that can be applied out in the field. This book is a must read for those that aspire to become great retail Area Managers.

All managers need great coaching skills to get the best out of their people – quickly – but how? Courageous Coaching is a ground-breaking book that outlines in practical terms how managers – acting in a leader-coach capacity – can quickly raise self-awareness and build accountability amongst their subordinates through the unique BUILD-RAISE coaching framework. Its straightforward style – incorporating multiple questions and techniques – furnishes all managers with the tools to get the best out of their people. This book gives them the coaching skills to courageously challenge; shifting mindsets, reframing perspectives and stimulating positive behaviours from their people. It is the essential coaching guide for every practising and aspiring leader-coach!

Most business coaching books take a generic approach, advancing catch-all models and concepts for all employees. But different employee cohorts have different coaching needs! This book addresses a crucial managerial segment, namely; Star Performers – small in number but highly critical to organizational energy, innovation and growth! Highly ambitious, goal orientated and driven they are – on the face of it – relatively easy to read and understand. However Star Performers often hide a dirty little secret! The origins of their success owe more to negative rather than positive drivers. They are (inwardly at least) less resilient than they (outwardly) seem! Fear, paranoia, self-doubt and self-loathing are frequently the negative feelings and motivators that cause Star Performers to over-index, outperforming their competitive set. However – in the end – these drivers can lead to major issues; burn-out, addiction and/or major conflict with other stakeholders. This book explores how coaches can explore the ‘hidden and blind selves’ of Star Performers to reframe these negative drivers into positive forces; enabling Star Performers to add value on a more sustainable basis!

Quick Service Restaurants, Franchising, and Multi-Unit Chain Management provides a multifaceted view on the one-hundred-billion-dollar industry with worldwide appeal. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have been the dominant segment of the food service industry since their inception in the 1920s. This book focuses on the QSR industry, its historical roots in America, consumer acceptance, management practices, international expansion, and co-branding opportunities. A nationwide survey of mature customers highlights the characteristics, unpleasant service experiences, and service requirements that diminish their satisfaction in QSRs. There is a chapter on airline food and what companies are doing to improve food quality and customer satisfaction. There are also chapters focusing on food safety, sanitation, and consumption trends. A case study of Billy Ingram and White Castle restaurants shows how hamburgers became a staple menu item in American restaurants.

Learn what it takes to find, buy, and run a franchise — and enjoy the rewards of being your own boss If you’ve ever visited a chain restaurant and thought, “I’d like to run one of these,” you’re among countless would-be entrepreneurs eager to be their own boss. Franchise Management For Dummies is a hands-on guide that provides clear and concise information on the issues involved in finding, buying, operating, and ultimately growing a successful franchise business. Geared toward both novices and experts in franchising, it’s an essential guide to help prospective franchisees know what to look for in a great franchisor, and to show existing franchisees what great franchisors are providing their franchisees. Both emerging and experienced franchisors will gain an understanding about the proper methods of structuring, managing, and expanding their franchise systems. Social impact investors, donors, and NGOs can learn how franchising techniques can transform how they look at providing products and services at the base of the pyramid. Inside you’ll discover: How to find a franchise that’s right for you and the ideal location for it Where to find quality franchisors and understand the qualities franchisors look for How to gather information from franchisees A franchisor’s mandatory legal obligations to prospective franchisees, the franchise disclosure document (FDD), and working with franchise professionals How to take a realistic look at your finances and what capital you’ll need to buy and launch a franchise Develop strategic advertising and marketing plans How to find, hire, and train talented employees who will help make your franchise a success How to make sure your franchise makes money How to grow your business with multiple franchises And more! Additionally, Franchise Management For Dummies includes a glossary of common franchise-related terms, ten keys to franchisee success, and the questions to ask before becoming a franchisor. Get a copy today and find out if owning and operating a franchise is the right business move for you.

Fundamentals: 9 Ways to Be Brilliant at the Basics of Business explores the core essentials of operating successful organizations in the Digital Age. Chockablock-full of detail, specifics and bite-sized content perfect for 21st Century business professionals.