Creating Disney Magic

Episode Highlights

00:00:08 - Multigenerational Workforce 00:05:41 - Importance of Individualized Approach 00:09:31 - Younger Generations 00:11:30 - Learning from Constituents 00:12:49 - Listening and Acting 00:13:19 - Encouraging Young People to Speak Up 00:13:40 - Empowering Girls to Speak Up 00:14:03 - Listening to Others to Avoid Trouble

Training New Leaders Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

"Your responsibility is not to sit in the office, but to be out in the operation."

There are a few things I learned throughout my career about effectively train a new leader. It starts by hiring the right people and setting clear expectations. Clear expectations includes making sure the new leader's personal appearance is up to standard and they understand the importance of being visible and present in the operation. Never minimize the role of management in making sure employees reach their full potential.

It is essential to start with training on empathy and discipline. That lays a good foundation for building other aspects of leadership. A manager's responsibility is to make other people better. They do what they need to so that guests and team members leave with positive experiences. They know that it can be done well when employees learn to embrace the company's culture.

Leaders must remain disciplined and set the example. People watch what leaders do, so model what it means to uphold high standards and represent the company positively. If management is done right, then employees are happier and the company succeeds. This episode provides even more tips on how to improve leadership skills for managers.

As I always say, hire the right people, train them well, and treat them right.

An example of one company that does a great job hiring, training, and treating their people right is Magical Vacation Planner. Make sure to check them out and use them for help planning your next vacation. Call them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Episode Highlights 00:02:26 - Training New Leaders 00:06:04 - Responsibility vs. Title 00:09:08 - The Power of Working for Disney 00:10:56 - Responsibility as a New Leader 00:13:25 - The Importance of Personal and Professional Performance 00:14:43 - Leading with Empathy and Discipline 00:15:09 - Long-Term Payoff of Hard Work 00:16:15 - Starting with Reputation 00:17:10 - Cockerel Academy and Contact Information

Work on What's Important Now Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

"You're not a product of your circumstances. You're a product of your decisions."

Through my experience as a leader, I have learned that time management and prioritization are key to success. In this episode, I shared my insights on how to achieve better time management and make better decisions.

There are a few things great leaders do in order to make sure they don't stray into unnecessary tasks. The first is that they have a strong understanding of what is important. They make sure they are focusing on completing those tasks, and delegating tasks to great people. It's also important to take care of the basics before moving on to bigger tasks.

During this episode I suggest some practical tips such as starting with small tasks with big returns, taking walks for health and taking courses to improve time management. These steps can help professionals to improve their time management and decision-making skills, ultimately leading to success.

Other ways to focus on what is important now:

Master time management and its impact on achieving personal and professional goals
Identify high-priority tasks which yield significant results and develop effective decision-making skills
Recruit talented individuals for delegating responsibilities and establish a strong foundation
Discover the advantages of expanding your knowledge through educational resources
Embrace a mindset geared towards ongoing learning and enhanced decision-making prowess

Balancing going above and beyond with daily job requirements is a matter of prioritizing what's important. Listen to this episode for valuable insights on time management and decision-making.

Resources

Episode Highlights

00:01:22 - Time Management 00:04:27 - Commitment and Responsibility 00:07:14 - Basics and Extra Inch 00:10:36 - Cockerell Academy and The Main Street Leader

Using Technology to Serve Customers May 30, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I evaluate the answer to a recent webinar question. Haden asked, "How do you see technology being integrated with customer service to deliver improvement?" I will be the first to admit that I have not always been a fan of technology in a customer service environment. First and foremost, it should not be used as a copout for delivering subpar service. That being said, there is a time and a place for it. The key is to use it to serve the customer, not just your interests.

Think through how it can be used to serve your customer. Then ask some critical questions. Does the customer like it? Does it make sense? Does it limit your ability to exceed expectations? Whenever you implement anything new, you need to evaluate a few things. How will the customer respond? How will the employees deal with it? What will it do to the bottom line?

If it checks the boxes and looks like it will enhance the experience, go for it. Do your best to think through and anticipate the impact it will make. If you want to take a vacation and work with a team that puts your needs first, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Jodymaberry.com

How to Exceed Customer Expectations May 23, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I unpack a question that Jody came up with while looking at our soon-to-be-released Performance Excellence Course in the Cockerell Academy. How do you exceed guest expectations?

This is a question that any company will benefit by asking themselves. And the answer is simple. Get feedback regularly from your guests. Over time, expectations will become clear. The things that guests value will rise to the surface through compliments and complaints. As a company, you must prioritize the most important things first. Take the feedback on what needs to be improved. Enlist your team to work on them by identifying what needs to happen to improve.

Have the nerve to ask the question, and be willing to receive the answer. Be sincere. Watch for trends. Over time, keep chipping away at the issues that come to the forefront. It is getting easier to exceed expectations because so many companies fail to simply meet expectations. Be on top of things. Repeat business is the name of the game. Keeping your guests happy is simply common sense.

Beyond doing surveys, there are some simple ways you can get inside your customer's head. Monitor social media. It is free market research. People have no problem expressing how companies fail to meet expectations. Be quick, adjust and get back to them. Have your employees keep logs of any complaints received. Be curious. The more you know, the better service you can provide.

If you want to travel with a company that embodies excellence, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Incremental Improvement Gets You Closer to a Promotion May 16, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I tackle a listener question that hits close to home. "How do you lead after your leader has been replaced and you were passed over for the role?"

I experienced this exact scenario personally. Momentary disappointment can be the best thing to happen. It can be an opportunity to learn and grow in your current role. If you can be patient and make incremental improvements, you will work yourself into a promotion.

Don't get too upset over the little things in your career. Maintain your reputation for being responsible and dependable. It is tempting to show your disappointment, but don't do it. You are playing the long game.

People are watching how you handle the disappointment. Whether you like it or not, people will talk about you and how you handle things. You never know the conversations that are taking place around situations.

If someone gets promoted into a leadership role over you, handle it maturely. Communicate support and be the biggest supporter your new leader has ever had. Everything you say, good or bad, will get back to them. Be professional. Focus on the work, not your disappointment. Disappointment is temporary; invest in your future by staying strong and growing where you are.

If you want to travel, but don't have the time to invest in making all the arrangements, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Creating Magic Mastermind Recap May 09, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I recap our most recent Creating Magic Mastermind hosted at the Element Hotel Sky Lounge at Icon Park in Orlando Florida. So far, this was our best mastermind event to date.

We were honored to have Karl Holz as our guest speaker. Karl and I go way back. Not only has he held many prestigious roles at Disney, I hired him, and it was the best hire I ever made.

One of the big takeaways from Karl's sharing was the importance of never letting your team see you depressed. It may be unrelated to work, but people are watching you, and how you carry yourself communicates security to them. If you do something, be the best you can be at it.

Don't be afraid to hold out for the right hire. Karl was the 14th person interviewed for his position at Disney, and it was worth the wait.

Another takeaway that became evident from the mastermind is that you never know when the light will come on for someone. You share and put yourself out there, and you never know what interaction or message will be the one to make it click for someone else. Continually learning is key to improvement. Invest in yourself and others. Read, listen to podcasts, and get around the right people. You separate yourself through how you carry yourself and work with others. Maintaining a professional manner and persona will help make room for promotion and advancement.

Every mastermind is wonderful. It is amazing how problems and situations get worked out once you have a room full of varied experiences and differing perspectives. This event was no exception.

If you want to travel, but don't want to deal with any of the drama or issues that may arise, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

How to Understand Employee Satisfaction May 02, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I answer a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks, "When gauging employee satisfaction, is it better to focus on the positives or negatives? Do you look at what's going right or what's not going right?"

The answer goes beyond what is right or wrong. Get to know your team, and build trust so they will answer honestly either way. You want them to communicate without fear and feel like they can tell you anything. An employee should never have to think about if they should or shouldn't say something to their boss. Your team doesn't work for you, they work with you. When everyone is in their spot, the team can function reliably with everyone doing their part. Once you get to this place, people feel secure and look forward to working with you.

Where there is no trust, people withhold information. You are paying people for their opinion and expertise. Cultivate an environment where they can give you what you need. Don't be afraid to rethink the basics. Be careful and don't start to view yourself as a big deal. The minute you want to be important, your results are diminished immediately.

If you want to create this type of environment, do it by building comfort and security. Set clear expectations. Invite feedback. Spend time with your team. Let them know what is in it for them and what you need from them to get them there. Openness is the name of the game if you want to have trust.

If you want to work with a team you can trust for satisfaction, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Invest in Yourself Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I discuss a topic made famous by Warren Buffett. What does it mean to invest in yourself?

People often associate investing in yourself with spending money. Enrolling in college. Taking lessons. Investing financially in a specialist or a coach. All of these are a type of investment. But you can invest in yourself every day without spending a dime.

Personally, I consider anything you do to make sure you know more today than you did yesterday as an investment in yourself. An easy option is reading every day or listening to podcasts. Meeting people you admire for coffee or auditing a class at the local university. These are free options that have huge dividends in your life when you apply them. Exposing yourself to the world around you and getting out of your comfort zone is another way to make a self-investment.

Looking back over my life, learning how to be a public speaker and taking care of myself physically have been the two best investments I've made. You can help yourself and others by always seeking to learn more. Don't be afraid to take a risk and invest in yourself today.

If you are ready to make an investment in yourself through travel, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Get Ahead of Your Problems Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

"Build the relationship before you need it."

In this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Jody and I discuss the significance of tackling problems promptly. It's the best way to reduce stress and improve relationships. Recognizing mistakes and apologizing immediately helps you manage your emotions and build trust with others.

There is a difference between stress and distress. Distress causes issues due to a lack of control in situations. Make sure you take control and responsibility for your actions. That way you can set a positive example and promote mutual respect. It's the best way to foster better relationships in your personal and professional life.

Other ways to get ahead of the problem:

Develop swift problem-solving abilities to diminish stress and fortify connections.
Understand the value of apologies in maintaining trust and respect.
Differentiate stress from distress for tailored management solutions.
Turn mistakes into chances to display moral fiber and dependability.
Read The Main Street Leader newsletter for tips on advancing your profession.

I know I get tired of being told the same ineffective solutions for reducing stress and improving relationships. If you want results it is important to discover new approaches. Jody and I know one of the best tools that will make a lasting impact is the Main Street Leader. Make sure to sign up to receive the newsletter so you don't miss out on more tips like what we share in this episode.

And if you are looking to relax as a way to improve relationships, then make sure to call Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694. .

"You can be right or you can have a relationship."

Episode Highlights:

00:00:08 - Introduction, Lee Cockerell and Jody Mayberry introduce the podcast and discuss Lee's current

00:03:05 – manage your emotions and getting ahead of problems by apologizing quickly when you make a mistake. Build trust and relationships by taking responsibility for your actions.

00:07:19 – stress can help us grow, but distress, when we feel like we don't have control over a situation, can be harmful. Deal with problems quickly to avoid distress and maintain your mental health.

00:09:32 – sometimes it's worth having a relationship over being right. Apologizing and taking responsibility, even if you're right, can help maintain relationships and build trust.

00:13:16 - The Main Street Leader newsletter has been released in Portuguese and Spanish, in addition to English. The newsletter is designed to be implemented, and readers can learn from it to improve their business practices. It is available for less than $10 per month and offers a money-back guarantee.

00:15:53 - readers have reached out saying that implementing one lesson from The Main Street Leader has made a significant impact on their business practices.

Resources