2022 Book Report #8 - Creating Magic (Lee Cockerell)
8/12 - Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell
10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies form a Life at Disney
Lee was Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort and offers his playbook at what makes the Disney experience so incredible. All based on the three-legged stool of priorities:
Guests
Cast Members
Business
Strategy 1 - Remember, Everyone is Important
When everyone matters and everyone knows he or she matters, employees are happy to come to work, and they’re eager to give you their energy, creativity and loyalty
Strategy 2 - Break the Mold
Expect resistance: because people naturally resist change, great leaders orient their people not only to expect change but to welcome it
You’re never really done. If you don’t continuously re-evaluate your structure, you run the risk of becoming the old-timer who resits change. And the moment you do, someone with a fresh perspective will be ready to replace you
Strategy 3 - Make Your People Your Brand
Look for good people in unlikely places
Select by talent, not by resume
Find out what really matters to your applicants
Select the best candidate, not the bet one available
Strategy 4 - Create Magic Through Training
“You can’t fire your children, you have to develop them.”
When an organization can perform that well in a crisis, it’s because its employees have been thoroughly trained
Teach the principles of great service
Strategy 5 - Eliminate Hassles
Listen to your customers: people are in a hurry, so speeding up processes should be a constant goal of any business Constantly query employees: set up an advisory group of frontline employees form every department and meet with them 1x/week
Strategy 6 - Learn the Truth
Great leaders are always in learning mode Meet regularly with direct reports
Assemble small groups
Strategy 7 - Burn the FREE Fuel
ARE - Appreciation, Recognition, Encouragement
Make ARE a natural part of your routine; here are four expectations of All Employees:
Make them feel special
Treat them as individuals
Respect them
Make them knowledgeable
Strategy 8 - Stay Ahead of the Pack
In times of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future
Be a knowledge sponge
Read, read, and read some more
Learn from your competitors
Study your customer base
Keep the people you lead ahead of the pack.
Make sure your direct reports know that you consider learning one of their responsibilities, and find ways to expose them to great ideas and living examples of excellence.
Strategy 9 - Be Careful What You Say and Do
Demonstrate a passionate commitment to your role
Be a great partner
Stay humble
Strategy 10 - Develop Character
Great leaders not only have the skills, attitudes and behavioral traits but also shine with character.
What do you stand for?
What are your core values?
Where do you draw your lines in the sand?
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