Recently, the Emerge Executive Team taught an inspiring two-day training course for area coaches called the Multi-Unit Leadership Masterclass created by Jim Sullivan, a renowned expert in multi-unit leadership with extensive experience in QSR, and based on his book, ‘Multi-Unit Leadership: The 7 Stages of Building Profitable Stores Across Multiple Markets’. His commitment to developing effective leaders has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant, and his insights are highly regarded in the field.
Emerge’s COO, Mick Rosckowff, emphasized the importance of addressing a critical gap in the industry through initiatives like this masterclass:
"The area coach role is often the most underdeveloped position in the restaurant industry. Too often, there isn’t enough time invested in the development of above-store leadership. At Emerge, we want to change that by providing our operations and multi-unit leaders with the tools and a strong foundation to develop their areas, their general managers, and themselves."
We were proud to align our training initiatives with Jim's principles to help our people grow and thrive over these two days.
From the moment the event kicked off, it was clear that this would be more than just a training session. The atmosphere was charged with positive tension, reflecting the hard work and dedication everyone was putting into mastering the challenging material. Participants engaged with Sullivan’s rich content, diving deep into each of the critical stages of multi-unit leadership: Brand Ambassador, Talent Scout, Servant Leader, Head Coach, The Synergist, and Goal Getter.
Candice Moore, VP of Human Resources at Emerge, played a pivotal role in facilitating the event. She noted how engaged and attentive everyone was throughout the two days. Despite the challenging material, participants rose to the occasion, demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth. “People learned a lot and were super engaged,” Candice shared, highlighting the impressive level of interaction and enthusiasm from all attendees.
A particularly memorable moment came at the end of the masterclass when participants received certificates for their participation, proudly displaying them and posing for photos to commemorate their achievement. This recognition not only celebrated their commitment to learning but also served as a reminder of the valuable skills they would take back to their teams.
One of the standout moments came from one of the participants, Irilla Robinson, who passionately shared her experience on LinkedIn after the event. Irilla emphasized the significance of the training, stating, “If you are thinking about it for your organization, do it; it’s worth the cost.” Her reflections on the seven stages resonated deeply, as she acknowledged her strengths while also recognizing areas for improvement, particularly in synergy. This kind of self-awareness is exactly what the masterclass aimed to cultivate among participants.
The collaborative atmosphere of the training fostered an environment where coaches could share insights and learn from one another. Participants were encouraged to apply the concepts immediately in their markets, ensuring that the knowledge gained would have a lasting impact on their teams and operations. The emphasis on practical application transformed theoretical knowledge into actionable strategies, making the masterclass a valuable investment for all involved.
At the end of the training, participants had the opportunity to reflect on their learning through written exercises, providing a chance to solidify their insights and commitments to growth. This exercise not only reinforced the lessons learned but also served as a personal roadmap for each area coach moving forward.
The success of the Multi-Unit Leadership Masterclass is a testament to Emerge’s commitment to empowering its leaders and fostering a culture of continuous learning. With the support of trainers like Jim Sullivan and the enthusiasm of participants like Irilla, we are truly inspired here at Emerge.
As we celebrate this event, we look forward to seeing the positive impact this course will have on area coach leadership at Emerge. Together, we are not just creating successful stores; we are nurturing a community of leaders dedicated to excellence, innovation, and growth.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and opportunities for professional development at Emerge!
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