Guidance, attentiveness, discipline make success possible in life and franchising

Life is a constant journey of self-improvement and refinement. That’s true for people and for business. As people learn, knowledge and wisdom breed success. Nobody is born wise. Fortunately, our parents, mentors and teachers can guide us down the path toward successful and happy lives.

Sunday, Father’s Day, is an excellent time to reflect on the importance of leadership in the family, in business, and for the nation.

There is no more important leader in the world than a parent. The home is a crucible in which children’s views and behaviors are formed.

A parent establishes boundaries and expectations and acts as a role model. Parents watch their children closely to offer consistent correction and help their children develop a sense for what it means to behave well and live honorably. That may mean refusing to let a child quit a team, demanding that chores are done properly, enforcing manners or pushing for academic rigor.

Of course, leadership is about a lot more than enforcing high expectations. It’s also about lending a sympathetic ear, serving as a sounding board for ideas and aspirations, supporting dreams and providing sound advice.

Good business leaders share many traits with good fathers: attentiveness, a desire to foster success and a willingness to push others to grow and become leaders in their own right.

Leaders also feel a great sense of responsibility. As a franchisor, my greatest reward comes from watching franchisees embrace the chance to succeed, and assisting them in every way I can to help them achieve their dream.. As an employer, the same reward comes from seeing an excellent associate advance in their position, take on new responsibilities, and begin to grow in their career.

A good leader — a good parent — provides the requisite tools for support and success, recognizing that success is never a guarantee and that, in every toolkit, there is a requirement for faith … but that may be a discussion for another day.

Many of us were blessed to have had good parents who guided us along our path and who we love dearly. If your father helped shape your success, this weekend is a good time to thank him.

Happy Father’s Day.

Tasti D-Lite chairman and CEO Jim Amos has more than 30 years of experience guiding successful franchise companies such as Mail Boxes Etc. He was inducted into the International Franchise Association’s Hall of Fame in February.