Franchise policy misunderstandings test your business acumen and the balance of power. Policies are not rigid decrees but negotiable instruments. Master the agreement, challenge ambiguities, and document every engagement. Leverage the Franchise Advisory Council to unify voices and expose inconsistencies. Diplomacy is your opening move, but legal recourse is your checkmate. Weak franchisees comply. Strong ones negotiate, escalate, and, when necessary, rewrite the rules. Contracts do not govern you; your expertise does. Influence is not requested. It is asserted.

I would address misunderstandings by clarifying policies through open communication, providing clear documentation and training, and ensuring alignment on expectations. If needed, I’d hold one-on-one meetings or workshops to reinforce key policies and address concerns. Proactively, I’d implement ongoing support and feedback mechanisms to prevent future misinterpretations.