Creating Disney Magic

Latest Episodes:

Use Training to Make Progress Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I are unpacking how to ensure the training your team gets is effective and creates long-term change.

Training is essential to most businesses. But if nobody does anything after you train them, you didn't train them. Whether you are an employee or a manager, it boils down to being disciplined and accountable to applying what you learn.

Most people don't have a problem knowing what to do. They have a problem with doing it. Training needs to be implemented. Do the things that will make sure you don't have issues down the road. Create systems to help you accomplish what is necessary. If you are an employee, take notes, be intentional, and create systems to help you apply what you learn. If you are a manager, hold your team accountable and create an infrastructure that supports the application.

Any problem you have in your life, you can go and learn how to do better. Use the people around you and the systems you have in place to push yourself. The choices you make create the life you have.

If you are looking to take a trip, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Working with Disengaged Employees Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I are answering a few questions about working with a disengaged employee that we didn't get to on a recent webinar.

If you have an employee who is disengaged, you need to assess the situation. Determine if there has been a change, or is this how they have always been? If someone has changed, than something has changed, and it is your job as the manager to identify it and help them find the solution. If you notice an employee has disengaged, or their performance is slacking, sit down with them. Communicate your concern and remind them of what the expectation is. Help them see what they need to do to get back to the expected performance level. Give them specific examples and your specific expectations.

If there is an employee you hired and they have disengaged from the start, you need to reset expectations clearly and communicate that there is a high standard. Own where you have been a part of the problem or where clarity may have been lacking. From there, you can communicate the desired direction.

If you inherit a disengaged employee, check in with your predecessor when possible. Get the lay of the land. Again, be clear about expectations and direction. Make sure they know their part and the expected changes. Then hold them to it and coach them through it.

Keep at it, and be on the lookout. Be the role model that walks around, that is informed and trustworthy.

Magical Vacation Planners does everything with excellence and efficiency. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

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About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

The Magic of Helping Others Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I are at the California Grill with Jamie and JJ Eubanks, the founders of Magical Vacation Planners.

We discussed relationships, leadership, and management during our time together, specifically how it has shifted during the past few years. As leaders, there are a lot of things to focus on. You can't control others; you can only give them the tools needed. It is up to them what they do with them. You can manage your stress. If there is anything 2020 showed us, it is how to slow down, and take lemons and make lemonade.

As a leader, priorities are paramount. It isn't enough to focus on the bottom line. You need to focus on people. When trying times hit, make sure they are ok. Do what you can to take care of each other. You take care of your team. They take care of the clients. It is a trickle-down effect.

Every crisis changes everything. Take the time to prepare your team. Turn setbacks into opportunities to learn and grow. Leaders help others get through things. You are a teacher and a student. Every day. Teach what you know and learn what you don't. Every bit of knowledge pays off later. Don't be afraid to do things differently. They may not all work, but at least you weren't afraid to try.

If you want to try out a new vacation location, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

Education and Experience is the Perfect Combination Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I are answering some questions we received at a recent event hosted by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.

One question we received was how educators enhance or improve their hospitality curriculum. Embrace that hospitality touches every industry. It is about how we treat people. Encourage students to pursue a base degree in hospitality and utilize their master's degree specializing in a specific industry.

Another question we received focused on Disney and how they value education and experience. Disney cares if you can do the job, not about the degree you hold. They want to know what you can do for them. Performance is key. After that, you must stay relevant in your area of specialty. Keep up to date on industry trends and current standards. This goes much further than a degree.

Next, what is the best advice on what educators can do to help their students land a good starting position out of college? Make sure they understand the importance of attitude, continuing education, and reliability and that soft skills are what people need to focus on.

Lastly, what changes brought on by the pandemic are here to stay? Attitude. People know what it is like to go through a crisis; they aren't willing to settle for being mistreated by a company. They have learned they can do other things with their skills. Companies need to realize people stay loyal when they know you care.

If you want to work with a company that cares when it comes to travel, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

How to Achieve Performance Excellence Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I are recording live in my home office. We just finished recording our newest course for the Cockerell Academy and want to share some thoughts about the topic: Performance Excellence.

Simply put, performance excellence is implementing an environment and system that ensures the guest experience is amazing; which begins long before a guest arrives. It isn't complicated. It is intentional. It starts with hiring the right people and equipping them. When you have the right people, you can focus on training beyond the necessary hard skills. Train and equip to understand how to be a team and support one another. Cultivate an environment where they know they are valued and cared for.

You can simplify the plan for achieving performance excellence to the following action points:

Get the right people
Get the right expectations
Get the right plan

Hire the right people, train them, and treat them right. This is how you develop a different culture and get different results. Don't get bored with the basics. Treat people right, train them, give them a future, and value them. The natural response is a team that values its role in providing an excellent experience for your customers.

If you are planning a trip and want to work with an excellent company, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan it for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

How to Grow Your Small Business Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Today, Donald Miller joins Jody and me and takes us through how you can grow your small business by following a simple framework.

65% of small businesses fail within the first 10 years. Often, this failure is due to a lack of systems, processes, and focus. By working within a proven framework, you are empowered to make the correct decisions and set a solid course.

In Donald's new book, he covers the six pieces you need for a tried-and-true framework.

Overhead
Leadership
Product
Marketing
Sales
Cash Flow

If you have a handle on these six areas and create the needed systems, processes, and checklists to facilitate them, you can scale your business and watch it succeed. It is systems and processes that are proven, repeatable, and dependable that keep the ship running no matter who is present or what they are doing. Establishing a clear plan and executing it will take your business to the next level.

If you are planning a trip to Disney, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan it for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

How to Grow Your Small Business by Donald Miller Small Business Flight Plan Business Made Simple University

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

Rethink Job Titles Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I explore how changing job titles can clarify expectations.

Many organizations need to think about reevaluating their job titles. A title needs to be a clear indicator of an individuals role. They must be associated with what they do and where they spend their time. Your title should tell you where to be and what you need to focus on.

Rethink what your team is focusing on. This can help address customer frustration as well. Clear communication of expectations helps your customer know who to reach out to or interact with when frustration is present.

Make sure you have the power to back the promise you are making, even with titles. You are setting expectations, and you need to make sure your team is living up to them. A title sets expectations for employees and guests. Help your team understand the "how" so they meet those expectations.

Once you know why you want to do it, get everyone in the room. Everyone must be on the same page and have a clear picture of where you all are headed. Communicate expectations and figure out ways for them to get it all done. Customer service is the "name of the game" and needs to be emphasized. Have systems and procedures to help your team facilitate the expectations. It will create buy-in and a better overall experience for all.

If you are planning a trip to Disney, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan it for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

Get Your Team Heading in the Same Direction Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I examine how you can get your team moving in the same direction.

I recently did a workshop for the City of Miami Gardens. It was a wonderful experience. It demonstrated the importance of education and exposure when forming opinions. It is a good investment if an organization can afford a workshop or multi-day training. When a team goes through shared lessons, it helps to get everyone going in the same direction.

Even if you can't afford live training, there are many free resources that will foster the same experience and outcomes. There are many resources you can use to train and develop your team that won't cost you anything. Podcasts or books that you experience together. Take the time to do this with your team and get them to focus on the same things. Take in the content and then discuss it. Determine how it applies to your company or department.

There is a way to make a difference. Don't just listen or read for entertainment. Put it into action; this is how you build a common foundation. You reach individuals, and everyone works on getting a little better every day. This is how you will gain momentum. It is the first step toward changing a culture.

If you have a trip you want to take and want it organized with excellence, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan it for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

Offer to Help the Right Way Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody, Cassie Tucker and I tackle how you can offer help in the right way.

People regularly reach out to me, looking to connect. Networking is important, but there can be a lot of noise. If you want to stand out, you must offer to help in the right way. When you reach out, be specific about how you can serve. Can you save them time? Money? Help them increase their reach and build reputation? Tell them how you can enhance their business.

Just like with a podcast, make sure you have a clear headline so people know what you can do and will do.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The worse thing that can happen is someone says no. Speak up. Don't be bashful. Let your contact know what you can do for them. Let them know the authority and experience you bring and how you can use it to serve their business. Don't create more work for the people you want to work alongside. Be specific on what you do and how you do it.

If you want to know how a vacation planner can help you specifically, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

Handle Difficult Situations Fast Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Today, Jody and I discuss why you need to handle difficult situations quickly.

No one likes dealing with difficult situations. However, the speed that we employ handling them is crucial. The longer these issues are left unchecked, the bigger they become. If you don't deal with them right away, you are running the risk of them escalating into a crisis. We need to learn to do the urgent things urgently. Put a fire out right away, do not let it grow and cause more damage.

If you have hard things to do, do them. Don't ignore them. Often, it is a matter of changing how we think about these hard things. You don't have to do it alone. You can get someone to help you walk through it and figure it out.

If you have an employee and you notice a negative trend developing, address it right away. If you don't deal with it, people may think it is ok. How you respond to the little things, like being late, tells people what the policy is more than what is in the manual. Deal with it quickly, it gets fixed and isn't a big deal.

Your team won't know what you are doing for them if you don't tell them. Let them know what you do for them. This is how you market internally and help your team see and form expectations and understanding.

Get credit for the best vacation ever without having to do anything. Contact Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Cockerell Academy

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader Cockerell Academy

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