I’ve just returned from an incredibly energising two days launching our programme, The Leader of Managers, and I’m still buzzing with excitement about what lies ahead.
This 12-month journey represents something I’ve been passionate about bringing to life for years – a development pathway specifically designed for those navigating the unique challenges of multi-unit leadership.
There’s something special about the moment when a vision finally materialises. Standing in that room, watching our first cohort of experienced and aspiring multi-unit managers eagerly introducing themselves, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfilment. We’ve attracted an amazing mix of talent – from established brands like Tortilla and Loungers to smaller, growing operations like Heidi Bakery and Mouse Tail Coffee.
Beyond the training room walls
What makes me particularly proud about this programme is that we’ve designed it to go beyond traditional classroom learning. Don’t get me wrong – our training sessions are packed with valuable content, but the real magic happens when we extend learning beyond those four walls.
Our “ops-servations” will place us alongside participants as they conduct their business reviews and critical impact visits – watching, guiding, and providing real-time feedback in their actual working environment. This is complemented by one-to-one coaching, 360° feedback, and colour personality profiling to create a truly holistic development experience.
We’re also bringing in heavyweight content, including the globally recognised SLII® leadership framework and our own Mastering Multi-Units Model™. I’m particularly excited about diving into Professor Chris Edger’s Effective Multi-Unit Leadership, which explores the competencies that exceptional area managers consistently demonstrate. We’re also drawing insights from The Long-Distance Leader by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel, and of course, Professor Chris Muller’s foundational work in The Leader of Managers.
It’s about building confidence and competence – something our participants identified as core goals during their introductory leadership presentations.
Creating access to excellence
One aspect of this programme that genuinely excites me is how it democratises access to world-class development. Smaller operations with just one or two area managers typically can’t justify investing in bespoke leadership programmes – yet these businesses need exceptional multi-site leadership just as much as the major players.
By bringing together leaders from different organisations, we’re creating an incredible pathway for businesses to enhance their current multi-site leaders and retain their high-potential GMs by showing them a clear progression route. It’s talent development with purpose and direction.
The leadership journey unfolds
Day one saw us deep-diving into the challenges of multi-site management, exploring how Chris Edger’s competency framework offers a structured approach to understanding what makes exceptional multi-unit managers truly stand out. We examined Chris Muller’s perspectives on balancing operational excellence with strategic vision – a constant tension in the multi-site environment.
On day two, we immersed ourselves in SLII® – a framework I find particularly relevant for multi-site leaders who, by definition, can’t be physically present with their teams every day. The group quickly grasped the critical skills: setting clear goals, diagnosing team members’ competence and commitment, and matching leadership styles to specific situations.
It was fascinating watching the lightbulb moments as participants recognised why a team member might excel in one area yet struggle in another. We tackled the “diagnosis trap” head-on, distinguishing between specific knowledge for a task and transferable skills, while exploring the subtle interplay between competence and commitment.
From thinking to doing
As I reminded the group, no company pays people for what they intend to do – only for what they actually do. That’s why execution will be the true measure of this programme’s success.
We’ve already reached out to participants’ line managers, providing them with summaries of our content, reference materials, and suggested follow-up questions that go beyond the typical “Did you enjoy the course?” We’re encouraging deeper conversations about implementation, potential obstacles, and support needed – creating an ecosystem for success.
The months ahead will blend virtual sessions, one-to-one coaching, small group “momentum meetings,” and various assessment tools. It’s going to be challenging, transformative, and incredibly rewarding.
Our pilot group’s journey will teach us as much as we teach them – though in many ways, this programme has been 10 years in the making (if not 30!). I’m excited to see how these talented leaders evolve, how their organisations benefit, and how we can refine our approach for future cohorts.
Here’s to the journey ahead – one that promises to transform not just individual careers but entire organisational cultures!
If you’d like to join the waiting list for the next The Leader of Managers programme, please email bookings@masteringmultiunits.com, or if you’d like to chat, you can book a call.
