Creating Disney Magic

Episode Highlights

00:01:14 - Jeff Marriage's Success 00:03:13 - Importance of Vision and Mission 00:06:32 - Clarity of Purpose 00:09:39 - Achieving Excellence 00:13:45 - Conrad Hilton's Conservation Vision 00:14:59 - Conrad Hilton's Waldorf Vision 00:15:41 - Meeting the Hilton Family 00:16:50 - Importance of Vision, Mission, and Purpose

Prioritizing Needs During Major Life Changes Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

"Your child's early development is the most valuable thing you have. Build your life around them and let the other stuff come later." - Lee Cockerell

Having a child is indeed a life-changing occurrence. When my son was born 54 years ago we were young, with no substantial means of income. Despite the financial challenge, we knew we had the most precious gift in our arms. That is why time management is incredibly important when major life events seem to disrupt the balance of work, home, and family.

Expectant couples or new parents who are facing overwhelming changes often struggle with managing their time effectively. Take a moment to prioritize tasks and make sure to keep nurturing other relationships during these challenging times. Both parents need to support each other and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. Utilizing available moments, adjusting routines, and reevaluating priorities will help people fit tasks around the needs of the baby.

The first six years are the most crucial for a child's development. It's when they need you the most. Your morning routine might have to take a backseat, and you might have to catch up on work when the baby takes a nap. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? It's a juggling act; you adjust, you adapt. It's not the easiest, but the most rewarding. The dishes can wait, the unread emails can wait, but the baby - they grow up faster than you can imagine. So, hold them close, give them your time and love, and trust me, everything else will fall into place.

While having a child can seem to be a disruption, make sure to prioritize them. Let everything else take a back seat. At the end of the day, your child's well-being and happiness are what matters the most.

Make sure to share this episode to anyone that may be facing challenges and adjustments that come with major life changes, particularly having a baby. The conversation provides a wealth of advice and practical tips for managing your time effectively and nurturing meaningful relationships amidst the chaos.

If you have a major life change chances are you will need a vacation. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Episode Highlights

00:02:57 - Approaching Priorities During Life Changes 00:09:30 - Time Management During Life Changes 00:07:28 - Early Childhood Development 00:12:26 - Commitment and Support 00:13:54 - Morning Magic Planner 00:14:23 - Importance of Having a Plan

How to Handle a Non Performer Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

"Your job should be to want to help them find out what the problem is. If they are unhappy, try to figure out why so we can all work on it and you can work on it." - Lee Cockerell

During my days at Hilton, I found myself tangled in a web of union operations and non-performing employees. It was deeply frustrating at times. I found myself constantly questioning how to handle these situations. Then I realized, the solution was simpler than I initially thought - consistency.

I began documenting every single instance of underperformance, putting it into writing, and having it signed as proof. With enough documentation, I was able to convince the union to back off. This wasn't because I wanted to win over them, but because I genuinely wanted these employees to succeed.

Fast-forward to my second stint at Disney, I encountered a similar situation. However, this time, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of focusing solely on their non-performance, I dove deeper into the root causes. I initiated sincere, heart-to-heart discussions with the employees. I discovered that some of them were facing personal problems, while others just weren't happy with their jobs.

This approach not only helped improve their performance but also established a stronger bond between us. It made me realize that sometimes, all it takes is a little understanding and compassion to transform a non-performing employee into a valuable team player.

If you're dealing with a non-performing worker:

Document their performance issues and follow your company's policy for addressing the problem. Consult with HR and the company lawyer if necessary.
Consider having a sincere heart-to-heart discussion with the non-performing employee to understand the root cause of their performance issues and offer support or suggest alternative roles within the organization.
If the performance issues persist and the employee is not receptive to improvement, be prepared to either continue supporting them or terminate their employment.

Remember that as a leader, it is your responsibility to address performance issues and help employees succeed. Approach the situation with sincerity and a desire to find a solution.

If you feel like you need a break in order to clear your mind and be better prepared for the hard conversations then I recommend a vacation. Contact Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-2694 or visit Leecockerel.com and click on the banner to book your next trip.

Resources

Episode Highlights

00:03:34 - Listener Question: Dealing with Non-Performing Workers and Union Involvement 00:07:22 - Handling Non-Performers in General 00:08:09 - Addressing Personal Issues 00:11:02 - The Complexity of the Mind

00:14:02 - Building Confidence and Performance 00:14:27 - Taking Responsibility for Employee Performance 00:14:41 - Communicating Expectations

Boost Training Effectiveness by Testing on What You Train Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

"Teaching is useless unless people are learning. Training needs to be sticky and impactful for it to truly make a difference." - Lee Cockerell

There was a time in my life when I was practically living in hotels and restaurants. A lot of my time was spent observing the activity around me. I quickly recognized the significance of training effectiveness. One thing that has stuck with me was the realization that the implementation of a training is critical but often overlooked.

We can conduct countless training sessions, but if they don't translate into action, what's the point? My perspective on training started to shift when I began to notice how some team members naturally excelled at their roles right after training, while others struggled, often slipping back into old habits. This observation led me to the importance of testing the training - not just immediately after, but as a consistent practice. It reminded me of learning to drive. The instructor can teach you all the rules, but unless you practice and are observed on the road, you won't truly grasp it. The same applies to any profession.

The effectiveness of training lies not just in teaching, but ensuring learning has taken place. There's an adage that says teaching is useless unless learning takes place. This couldn't be more accurate in a professional environment. The effectiveness of any training program lies not just in delivering knowledge but in ensuring that knowledge translates into improved performance.

This is a great episode to listen to if you're feeling like your training programs are not producing the desired results. Many leaders and trainers are struggling to ensure effective training and skill retention among their employees. Despite implementing various actions such as lectures, presentations, and reading materials, they are often met with limited engagement, low information retention, and poor application of skills in real-world scenarios. Take a listen to our conversation on impactful training execution and fostering an environment dedicated to continuous learning.

One business that does a great job of helping their employees implement their training is Magical Vacation Planners. They are well trained and ready to plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Episode Highlights 00:02:56 - Testing What You Trained For 00:08:33 - The Importance of Execution 00:11:23 - Enforcing Training and Continuous Improvement 00:13:22 - The Best Way to Do Things 00:14:03 - Importance of Training 00:14:43 - Knowledge and Disappointments 00:15:28 - The Value of Existing Customers 00:15:47 - Training, Testing, and Enforcing

Hiring Someone for Their First Job Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

"Experience changes you, and hopefully for the better." - Lee Cockerell

I remember the uncertainty I felt as a young boy starting my first job. I was 16, behind the wheel of a delivery car for Parks Drugstore. There was an enormous responsibility that also gave me a thrill of independence. I also really wanted to prove myself.

On the first day, my eyes strayed from the road to the address I was supposed to deliver to. Before I knew it, I had crashed the car. The fear of facing my employer was almost paralyzing. But when I did, he was understanding, kind, and supportive. That interaction not only saved my confidence, it built my understanding of how to handle mistakes made by first-time job seekers.

Fast forward to now, where I find myself in a position to guide and mentor young individuals navigating their first jobs. I often recall my initial experiences, the lessons I learned, and the support I received. The three things I emphasize most are often:

the importance of showing up on time
maintaining a positive attitude
treating every customer with utmost respect

If you work with young or newly employees individuals take the time to reassure them that making mistakes is a part of growing. Remember your role in helping them navigate through any hurdles. The pride they feel when they succeed, the lessons they learn, and the experiences they have will shape their personal and professional lives, just as mine did for me.

If you are looking to hiring someone for your next - or first - vacation, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They will handle all the details when it comes to planning a trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Episode Highlights

00:01:11 - History of Glacier National Park

00:02:00 - First-Time Job Seekers

00:07:41 - Additional Training for First-Time Job Seekers

00:10:57 - The Power of the Disney College Program

00:13:39 - The Importance of Getting Experience Elsewhere

00:14:13 - Group Orientation for First-Time Hires

00:15:05 - Advice for Handling Challenges on the Job

Building a Culture from Scratch Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

"Magic is when nobody can figure out how you do it because you're so good."

Never underestimate the importance of building relationships with your team. This is especially important if you are building a culture from scratch. One of the best ways to do this as a leader is to make sure you are hiring the right people. Start setting clear expectations during the interview process. After that make sure you are consistently creating a positive and customer-focused environment.

When I first took on the role of a General Manager at a well-established hotel, I was a stranger in a sea of employees. They didn't know me, and I didn't know them. But I quickly found out, the secret to gaining their trust was visibility. Walking through the operation several times a day ensured that everyone knew my face, and more importantly, knew that I was approachable. I made it a point to meet every single person, show them respect, and assure them that if they needed anything, I was there to help.

This wasn't just about getting comfortable with me, but also about making sure they knew I valued their opinions. After all, these were the people doing the work, and they knew more about it than I ever would. As I made my rounds, I would emphasize the importance of excellence. This wasn't about being average, this was about setting standards and sticking to them. But these standards weren't just about the job, they were about creating an environment where everyone felt special, respected, and part of a team.

The first time I was appointed as a General Manager, I realized that connecting with my team was paramount. I took the initiative to stroll around the premises multiple times a day, making my presence known. I introduced myself to every member of the team, making it clear that my door was always open. I understood that the individuals on the front line were the experts, and their opinions mattered to me. The initial days were all about fostering a culture of respect and open communication. It was important to instill a sense of pride and dedication in the team from the get-go. We weren't aiming for mediocrity but for excellence. We set high standards and expected everyone to adhere to them. But it wasn't just about the job, it was about cultivating a work environment where everyone felt valued and special.

By providing ongoing education and knowledge, leaders empower employees to excel in their roles. That creates a culture of pride and excellence. Everyone has the power to build a culture where employees are encouraged to act happy and provide exceptional service. It takes time and effort. Don't give up when it doesn't happen overnight. By investing in building relationships, involving employees in decision-making, and establishing a culture of excellence and respect you can bet you will get a return on the time spent.

There are some great resources available if you are still not clear on how to implement good training and standards for each position. My book "Creating Magic" and the Cockerell Academy are two great places to start.

Another great resource is Magical Vacation Planners. They do a great job building relationships with their customers so they can help plan your vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

How to Implement Training into Action Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

In a big organization, you have to have clarity of expectations. You follow the recipe, you get a good product. You leave ingredients out, you don't get consistency. - Lee Cockerell

One of the most common questions I get asked is how to implement new polices and programs. During this conversation Jody shares a question from Jennifer, who recently asked something very similar. She said that during their training things seem to go well, yet after that she sees a problem. Whether it's a new dress code or a behavior they talked about in training, things seem to fall apart because of management not staying consistent. This is why I talk about the importance of consistent leadership in creating a strong and reliable brand experience for your customers.

In this episode, you will:

Discover the pivotal role of steadfast leadership in implementing effective policies and procedures
Unearth the significance of setting clear expectations for maintaining consistency in your organization
Identify how leaders can bolster your brand by upholding a uniform standard and ensuring regularity
Decode the rationale behind changing dress codes and its impact on your organization's overall ambience
Realize the power of creating a coherent look that resonates with your organization's values and customer expectations

Unfortunately this happens in many organization. Leaders struggle to enforce their policies consistently, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among their customer base. What would you do in situations like this where management fails to consistently uphold expectations?

Make sure to share this episode with anyone you know that is frustrated or overwhelmed by inconsistent implementation in their organization. Take action so that you are able to ensure that cohesive brand experience for your customers.

If you need help taking action on your vacation plans then make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Order the Book Read This or Die

The Power to Make Positive Change Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

"People generally don't change when they want to. They change when they have to."

Ray Edwards is an experienced and talented copywriter who joins this episode to talk about having the power to make positive change. He has spent his career helping entrepreneurs build their brands through powerful storytelling. The way he came about his passion for personal growth has given him a unique lens. Ray's life was turned upside down when faced with a series of debilitating seizures. It wasn't until he underwent a life-altering surgery that he discovered the true power of thoughts and beliefs in personal growth and development.

During our conversation Ray shares about how he has worked to overcome the challenges of Parkinson's Disease. He goes into even more detail in this book, Read This Or Die. In it, he highlights the importance of developing a strong, resilient mindset in overcoming adversity and achieving personal success. Ray's knowledge of writing and the mind is how he is able to successfully teach people how to harness thoughts and beliefs for success and wellbeing.

The pain of not seeing results despite your efforts can be frustrating and demotivating. But as Ray explains, the key to personal growth and development lies not in external action, but in the power of your thoughts and beliefs. By shifting your mindset and embracing conscious decision-making, you can achieve lasting transformation that goes beyond those short lived rewards. Make sure to listen to this episode with Ray teaching us the power of thoughts and beliefs in personal growth and development.

One way to shift your mindset is by taking a relaxing vacation. And the best way to relax is to let someone else handle the planning.Reach out to Magical Vacation Planners so they can help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Ray Edwards

Ray Edwards Website

Resources

Soft Skills for Technical Teams Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

"Anybody that feels loved, appreciated, does better work. They have a better life. They are happier."

Recently I received a listener question about how to encourage technical teams, such as engineers, to develop soft skills. Soft skills, like empathy and discipline, are crucial to deal with the challenges presented in any industry. Something to always remember is that success cannot be accomplished without people. One way to support your technical teams is by investing in ongoing training and education, including about soft skills. They are also essential to building a positive workplace. Creating a positive culture and environment that values people leads to better work outcomes and greater employee satisfaction.

In this episode, we discuss:

the role of soft skills in boosting the success of technical teams.
the impact of respectful treatment in professional environments.
incorporating soft skills training for technical professionals.
the benefits of fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition.
the significance of empathy and discipline in personal and professional relationships.

Leaders should always be focused on ways to create a culture of appreciation, recognition, and encouragement. Get everyone on the same page with the importance of soft skills and how it relates to their work. These conversations should always happen when you are hiring, training, and coaching employees. Make sure to share this episode with technical team leaders. It's a great way for them to learn how soft skills training can enhance team performance and create a healthy work environment where employees can thrive.

If the technicalities of travel are too overwhelming then make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They do a great job helping plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Episode Highlights

00:01:55 - Importance of Soft Skills 00:06:06 - Technical People and Soft Skills 00:09:31 - Importance of People 00:12:33 - Encouraging Soft Skills 00:14:08 - Managing Projects and People 00:15:25 - Soft Skills in Technical Teams

00:15:45 - Mastering Leadership 00:16:13 - Cockerell Academy

Employee Development Leads to Retention Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

"People want to know they matter"

During this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Jody and I answer a listener question about employee development. Investing in employee development leads to higher retention rate and boosts productivity. Many managers and business leaders make the mistake of overlooking employee development as an essential factor in their success. Want to know the secret to higher productivity, less sick days, and a good attitude? Offer development opportunities and treat your team members right.

In this episode, you will:

Uncover the powerful link between employee development, business success, and talent retention
Realize how supporting the growth of your team members remains essential even without promotions on offer
Embrace the advantages of providing unified training to everyone in your organization
Delve into the significance of making training and development a key aspect of employee retention efforts
Find out how online courses, regular book discussions, and targeted seminars can transform the growth of your organization's team members

When employees don't get the chance to grow or advance they can become stagnant, uninterested and eventually leave. Avoid disengaged employees by creating a positive company culture. One way to do that is by investing in your people. Another is by paying attention to them to develop trusting relationships. Any time you prioritize the development of your people, your business will reap the benefits of a loyal and engaged workforce.

One team that is very invested in the growth of their team is Magical Vacation Planners. Make sure you reach out to them for help planning your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources