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Imagine the perfect day at work: no distractions, lots of customers, balanced tills, productive employees, no overtime.
We want our franchises to run smoothly, but very few days are perfect. Yet, we do have some control over our productivity and progress. But with so much to do, is working more hours better? In fact, it is not—productivity decreases as the workday and workweek grow longer. But do not despair. Here are seven ways to work smarter in your franchise.
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Prioritize
Everything you put on a list of action items might add value to the franchise, but not everything is the same value. Prioritize what is most important with task management software, or use the old A-B-C categories. Whatever method you use, review your tasks regularly. Then, each day, choose 3-4 high-value tasks that you can reasonably accomplish before you shut down for the night.
Track Progress
For each project, especially long ones, keep track of completed steps. When the end seems far away, it is rewarding to see the progress that you made. Feeling accomplished sometimes has to come in steps and not only from the final results. Each day, check off what you completed, and review the next day’s priorities for a feeling of accomplishment.
Delegate
Accept that you are not good at everything and that someone else can do some tasks. Whether it’s an employee or an outside contractor, utilize others’ talents. For higher production levels, everyone should be used to their highest ability. Whether it is payroll or fleet maintenance issues, maybe someone else would do faster and better work than you. Use them to free up your time for your areas of expertise.
Remove Decisions
This sounds silly, but eliminating small decisions frees your brain up for the big ones. Establish routines that streamline the work of planning and deciding. When you consistently schedule your day, there are fewer decisions to make. Fewer decisions allow your minds to work on those high-priority tasks. Maybe you decide that all sales calls have to be in the afternoon, or you pick up the same lunch each day. By making some decisions automatic, you will be smarter and less fatigued when you need to make an important decision.
Use Technology
From task management software to employee scheduling software, the more you can automate, the fewer the errors and the more time you will have. Many programs are free for small businesses, and others are often part of your suite of office-related software. Apps will streamline repetitive tasks so you can focus on the harder ones.
Communicate Clearly
Communication challenges exist in every organization, but if you increase your skills, you will reduce misunderstandings. Plus, the more collaborative you are, the less time you’ll need to dedicate to overcoming avoidable mistakes. The better the communication, the more efficient team projects will be.
Relax and Unplug
Your franchise’s operations will seep into every moment of your life, so make relaxing an important task, too. Your relaxing activity must be scheduled just like any other smart and productivity-enhancing task. Listen to music, do yoga, or go for a swim, but make it an automatic part of your plans. You will be less stressed and more able to work efficiently.
Many franchisees run excellent businesses, but everyone can adopt a technique that will make their lives and businesses better. When you work smarter, you will feel accomplished, less stressed, and freer to grow an even more successful franchise.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.