Creating Disney Magic

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Leaders Are Great Communicators May 25, 2021

Show notes

Donald Miller is back with us this week to dive a little deeper into what makes a successful leader.

Last week, we looked at how what you bring is more important than the school you attend. Now we are unpacking the importance of character and communication in leadership.

Your character is the foundation you build your leadership and your reputation on. The first sentence in Donald's book, Business Made Simple states, "No core competency can overcome poor character." Your personal brand will open and close doors. This includes honesty and integrity, but also how you handle your value share. Or your ability to rise above being a victim and knowing how to deescalate drama.

As leaders, who we are opens the door. How we communicate and deliver keeps the door open to us. Many great ideas never made it off the ground because the person who presented them lacked the needed skills of communication. You have to go through people's hearts to get to their brains. Don't try and tell people. Show them the value you or your idea brings. Tell them the truth. Be clear and be passionate.

Make sure you check out businessmadesimple.com and get everything you can out of Donald's book and resources. It makes a great companion to the Cockerell Academy.

If you haven't signed up for The Cockerell Academy yet, make sure to head over to cockerellacademy.com and sign up. Paired with Business Made Simple, you will be a force to be reckoned with in the business arena.

Business Made Simple May 18, 2021

Show notes

This week, we are excited to have Donald Miller back on the show. He is sharing all about his newest book: Business Made Simple.

For any of you who may not know who Donald Miller is, he is an author and business owner. He is the CEO of Story Brand, a marketing company dedicated to helping you clarify your message so customers engage.

In this episode, Donald shares the vision behind his newest book, Business Made Simple, and why it (and the Cockerell Academy) are better than an MBA. We are looking into what are the common denominators of successful people. In most cases, it is not a degree.

Something Donald and I have in common is growing up without financial security. This aspect of our journey lit a fire in us; to make sure we don't pass that down to our children.

Success costs something, and that is what we are unpacking today. College isn't as necessary as it used to be. What you can do for a company – someone else's or your own – is more relevant than where you went to school. And that is what Business Made Simple, and The Cockerell Academy is all about – giving you the business know-how it takes years to learn at the beginning of your journey so you can go farther than you dreamed.

Another organization looking to exceed your dreams is Magical Vacation Planners. If you have travel needs and want to get in touch with Magical Vacation Planner, call them at (407) 442-2694.

How to Make Better Decisions May 11, 2021

Show notes

I used to think Time Management was the most important thing, but I have changed my mind. While preparing the course Better Decisions for the Cockerell Academy, I realized that making better decisions is the most important thing we can improve on. Time management means nothing if you are making bad decisions.

Making decisions isn't always about what you decide to do. Sometimes, it is what you decide not to do. Most of the time, we make these decisions because of emotions or poor judgment. There can also be a lot of anger involved. It only takes one bad decision to ruin your life. Even your day planner won't be able to help you get out of it.

In the Cockerell Academy, I talk about two kinds of decisions that you make every day. Reversible and Irreversible. I like to use the example of the difference between the choice to wash your car (reversible) and the choice to buy a new car (irreversible). You can delegate reversible decisions, but they can still cost you in the long run. Especially if not thought out.

Utilize the wisdom of others. When it comes to making the best decision possible, getting advice can be a game-changer. Ask others their opinions, seek out experts if it is something you are unsure of. Too often, I haven't asked for help because of my insecurity, especially when it comes to areas I feel ignorant about. Giving in to that insecurity and refusing to seek help will hinder you. We think asking for help shows weakness, but it is one of the strongest things we can do.

To make better decisions, try this. Start by writing down what you think are the hard things in your life. Especially the decisions you don't want to deal with. Identify the things you don't want to have regrets about. Get accountability and find someone to go on the journey with you. Making that first decision can be the hardest, but it can also be the first snowball in an avalanche of success.

If you want help in the decision-making arena, you can go to www.cockerellacademy.com and check out our Morning Magic Planner for free. You can also join the Cockerell Academy and take the Better Decisions Course.

A Leaders Job is to Make More Leaders May 04, 2021

Show notes

Leadership sets the culture. That is true if we are talking about a country or a company. Sometimes, people put too much stock in non-essentials when determining if someone is ready for leadership. Additionally, people can rely on the wrong things to enforce the culture they are cultivating.

In this episode, I'll answer a listener question along these lines.

This week's question comes from India and an anonymous listener; it comes in two parts. What do you do when your responsibility outweighs your experience? And how can you develop tact, influence, and authority while being welcoming, caring, and nice?

I want to address the first portion of the question. We, as leaders, need to recognize that time served is not the data or litmus test to determine if someone is ready for a position. Performance, attitude, and quality of work are far more relevant and better indicators of potential for success. It can be challenging to lead those who feel your age or experience is a hindrance, but there will always be a lot of jealously in the world. If you have the support of your leadership, be confident in that. Work to cultivate that support and focus on what matters. You have to perform, be professional and be clear about the support you do have.

As far as developing influence and leading while still being kind and caring, that is a great attitude to have; especially leading people. Dominating and intimidating people to get things done are an abuse of power. This type of leadership sets a culture. If you want to set a culture of firmness and fairness, you can do that without fostering a culture of fear. Firm ins being clear, not being mean or intimidating or embarrassing someone. Be clear, be firm, and be as nice as you want to be.

The best way to get others to do what needs doing is to treat them respectfully and make sure there is something in it for them. A leader's job is to make more leaders, not enemies. When you lead with empathy, you get results, and stuff gets done. Know your values. Ask yourself how you want your family treated in the workforce. Then go and treat people that way.

Make sure you are planning for the future, even your recreational future. Disney and Universal are having dates sold out, so connect with Magical Vacation Planner and find a date that works for you. Call them at (407) 442-2694.

Working with Entrepreneurial Employees Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Over the last few years, especially 2020, we have seen the workforce environment change drastically. Whether it is birthed from a dream or by necessity, many young people today aspire to have their own business someday. But how does that impact us as leaders and the decisions we make surrounding hiring and developing our staff?

In this episode, we're answering a listener question about this very subject.

Bradley from Nashville, TN posed this week's question: How would you develop employees that say they want to start their own company?

It can be tempting, as a leader, to hear an employee aspires to own their own business and interpret that as a lack of loyalty. But that really couldn't be further from the truth.

A confident leader can recognize that an entrepreneurial spirit brings assets with it that a content employee may never develop. Often, those who plan to start their own company are hungry to learn and are looking to gain experience and exposure, all the while being committed to growth. If you are lucky enough to have this kind of person in your organization, take it.

With this increasing trend, we have an opportunity to develop and learn from our entrepreneurial employees. They tend to be top-notch, driven, and ready to learn. Take the time, answer their questions, let them step into responsibility. Their dream will require them to depend on their performance and reliability for success. Time spent isn't enough, they must have results. The more ambitious people you have, the better you are going to do.

The environment of business is changing. Whether it is moving away from employees to contractors or from brick and mortar to remote offices, having risk-takers and people who take ownership on your team will serve you just as much as it serves them.

If you have a question you would like me and Jody to discuss here on the show, you can reach us on any social media channel, email us at support@cockerellacademy.com, at http://www.jodymaberry.com, or http://www.leecockerell.com.

If you are looking to partner with individuals who take ownership when it comes to planning a vacation, make sure to get in touch with Magical Vacation Planner. Call them at (407) 442-2694.

If you want to take part in our monthly community calls, join The Cockerell Academy today at http://www.cockerellacademy.com/.

Executive Presence Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

A while back, my son was at Disney and noticed a gorilla who was making eye contact with the man who was in charge. Based solely on the way people were acting and the way the man presented himself, the gorilla picked up on who the boss was.

Executive presence is what made that man stand out.

People with executive presence have immediate influence and credibility.

However, they don't let that go to their heads. They treat all people with respect, no matter who they are. They let their position go and make every interaction all about the person they're dealing with at the time.

When you're around people with executive presence, you feel comfortable and trust them right away. The way they treat you, their focus on you, and their mannerisms make you feel good about yourself.

You don't even have to be an executive to carry an executive presence.

When I was put in charge of a group of restaurants in Philadelphia Marriot, I met one man who immediately impressed me. It wasn't until days later that I found out he was one of the managers reporting to me. Despite his position, he had an executive presence.

If you want to develop an executive presence, pay attention to others. Become a good listener. Ask questions about other people rather than talking all about yourself. Don't try to convince others that you're a big deal; instead, convince others how important they are.

If you want to learn more tips for developing a stronger executive presence, tune in to this episode.

Creating Magic in Any Situation Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

This week, we have Jamie and JJ Eubanks from Magical Vacation Planner on the show.

Through this pandemic, this couple has had to put their flexibility to good use. Travel was so up in the air over the past 12 months, causing the Eubanks and their team to have to improvise greatly.

However, they have gone above and beyond during this time. As things were taken away from their clients, they saw that as an opportunity. They didn't want their clients to miss out on anything and filled in the gaps where services were missing.

On this episode, Jamie and JJ talk about how their past helped them navigate this pandemic. JJ was a professional basketball player, meaning they were constantly picking up and moving.

That prepared them to deal with obstacles that came their way, not being in control, and being home together 24/7. When COVID hit, they were more prepared than most other people were.

We're also talking about the other hidden blessings that have occurred in the last year. To name a few, creativity has flourished, skills have been developed, and the value of certain industries has skyrocketed.

To hear more from Jamie and JJ and learn about the amazing customer service of their magical vacation planners, tune in to this episode. If you have travel needs and would like to get in touch with Magical Vacation Planner, call them at (407) 442-2694.

Real Leadership Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

We recently added a great new course to The Cockerell Academy: Real Leadership.

It gets into the details of the things that really matter. It teaches what most colleges don't: how to treat people right, how to train people well, and how to get ahead of the pack.

It's the little things in life that make all the difference. Every little thing you do adds up to who people believe you are. Those are the things that get you recognized by the people you work with and for and get you promoted.

A huge aspect of this course is the emotional aspect of dealing with people. We know that knowledge only gets us so far. Getting people to believe that knowledge is what really matters. When you are there for the people you lead, have empathy for them, and build trust with them, they will get more done.

We also talk about how we should really be judging performance.

Today, everything is so technical. Many people who are great at the technical side of their job get promoted but then have no leadership training. They're left with no idea how to supervise and miserable because they're forced into leadership with no desire for it.

This is why we need to rethink what it means to be a leader. Technical expertise isn't enough. We want leaders who are excited about leading people, not just people who know a lot.

You don't need a big title to start putting these things into practice now. If you want to learn how to be a great leader, join The Cockerell Academy today at http://www.cockerellacademy.com/.

Don't Expect People to Be Like You Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

For the first half of my marriage, I tried to get my wife to be like me.

I always thought I was right. I liked to be in charge and make all of the decisions. I made her think she had to get approval from me to do anything.

It was the same way at work. I pushed people around and told them what to do. However, whenever someone told me what to do, I was emotionally affected.

Eventually, I realized that my attitude was creating the same problem at work as it was at home. People didn't like or trust me. I had to learn to let people be themselves.

If you're someone who's afraid of being judged, always criticizing others, and living in a tumultuous environment, reflect. Honestly consider if you are the problem—because you probably are.

As soon as you understand and get honest about what's happening, you can start to figure out how to fix it.

For me, that meant going to leadership seminars. It meant telling people the outcome I needed and then stepping back. It meant ensuring that the people around me knew I trusted them. It meant learning to let go and, as a result, coming home less stressed.

Listen to this episode for more instruction on changing your culture, both at home and at work. You may just find a transformation.

Does Your Career Influence Your Children Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

If you're an entrepreneur or in any other busy career, you may worry from time to time about building and maintaining a good relationship with your kids.

On this episode, we're discussing a listener question on this topic. This listener admitted he was afraid his kids wouldn't push themselves after seeing how hard he and his wife work as high-energy business leaders.

This was something my wife and I discussed a lot over the years. Because of my career, I missed some things I wish I hadn't. My son was moving all the time and often exposed to new environments and people.

Rather than just hoping it would work out that I would get time with my son, I had to schedule it. It had to become a priority in my life.

Family time won't just appear—we have to make time for it.

However, no matter how much time we get with our families, the quantity doesn't matter as much as the quality.

Show your kids how much you love them. Spend time with them when you are home. Be there for their important events and always keep in touch.

When you think about this and plan for it, you'll make the right adjustments to your life. Your kids will feel like they're safe, cared for, and loved.

You may also consider taking your kids on some of your business trips with you. That way, you create special memories and get that alone time with them.

Tune in to hear more ideas for making your kids feel that they matter and giving them the emotional support they need, no matter how busy your schedule.

If you have a question you would like me and Jody to discuss here on the show, you can reach us on any social media channel, at http://www.jodymaberry.com, or at http://www.leecockerell.com.

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