“When you lead, be tough, not hard." Lee Cockerell
Episode Highlights
01:04 Gain a reputation of high standards.
05:32 Rules and values must be enforced to be effective.
07:36 Appearance impacts perception of leadership and quality.
10:33 High standards requires consistent education, training, and discipline.
13:16 Train managers to make tough decisions.
Resources
You Can Be Nice and Tough
A listener recently reached out with a question about my leadership style. They say that Disney employees describe me as a legendary leader, but also mention that working under me could be challenging due to my high standards. I have to say that I agree with this assessment. It comes down to having the courage to enforce rules.
Being tough doesn't mean being mean or disrespectful. It's about taking responsibility as a leader or manager and ensuring that policies, procedures, values, and ethics are upheld. It's about creating a culture of excellence. Being an effective tough leader has similarities to a mother's love. Mothers are nice but also tough when they see their children veering off course. Toughness is about caring and helping people grow, not about being harsh.
Finding the balance between hiring nice people and being tough when needed is key. I have always believed in hiring nice individuals, but that doesn't mean compromising on standards. Enforcing rules leads to consistency and establishes a brand. If the standards aren’t being met, then tough conversations are crucial for growth. Involve everyone in the conversation, listen to different viewpoints, and find solutions together for the benefit of customers and the company.
Being tough also doesn't mean knowing everything or always having to be right. There are times we must trust that the people above us have knowledge and insights we may not possess. Leaders must be open to learning and changing their minds if convinced by a different perspective. It's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard. To achieve excellence, you can never lose sight of the importance of high standards and enforcing. Education, training, and enforcement are the keys. It's not about being mean, but about keeping things on track and ensuring quality and safety.
Time and experience make us better. Looking back, I may have made mistakes, but that's part of the growth process. One thing I didn’t make a mistake on was consistently talk about the importance of enforcing rules. By making it an expectation, it becomes easier over time and less emotionally charged. Leaders who hold high standards create better, more resilient teams.
Make sure to listen to this episode for more about how you can be nice and tough as a leader. You can also sign up for the Cockrell Academy and our Community Calls by going to cockrellacademy.com.
A group that is very nice to work with is Magical Vacation Planners. Let them handle the tough stuff and plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
“People don't like a lot of the jobs they have to do, but they look back on them and think, ‘wow! Look how much I learned back then’.”
Episode Highlights
01:30 Competition is increasing; experience and skills are important.
03:16 Exposure to new cities and ways of doing things elevates one's level.
07:30 Exposure, experience, and knowledge lead to growth.
11:57 Time management; schedule the things that are important to you.
13:36 Promoting someone lacking experience but has potential.
Resources
Preparing for the Next Level of Your Career
As you climb the professional ladder each level brings new challenges and competition. Prepare yourself by acquiring knowledge, gaining experience, and seeking exposure to new ways of doing things. During this conversation Jody and I discuss preparing for the next level of your career. The journey to success requires continuous growth.
While getting a promotion is certainly something to celebrate, it is also easy to feel overwhelmed. If you feel like you're playing catch-up, don't panic. Seek support, ask questions, and invest in your development. Remember, technical skills can be learned, but soft skills like time management and communication are equally crucial.
On the flip side, if you're promoting someone into a leadership role, ensure they are equipped for success. Provide training, mentorship, and resources such as the Cockrell Academy to help them develop essential skills and unleash their potential. Investing in your team's growth is investing in your organization's future.
Time management is critical if you want to move from planning to success. Don't let time slip away from you. Develop effective time management skills to stay organized and focused. Schedule important tasks, prioritize wisely, and make time for activities that matter to you. Don't let years pass by without achieving the personal and professional milestones you aspire to.
Never underestimate how much you can learn and grow. Seek specialized knowledge, invest in courses like the Cockrell Academy, or reach out for coaching and counseling. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to excel in any setting and unleash your true potential.
If you want to take your vacation to the next level we know who you can call. It's not like getting a promotion where you have to do all the work. You could call magical vacation planner at 407 442-2694. Let them know you're ready for a better vacation than you're used to, and they will take care of you.
“If you want to have a better life and start to do better, to be better, and to feel better, you need to start making better decisions." - Lee Cockerell
Episode Highlights
[00:01:32] The importance of following up
[00:04:50] Make time for learning; Manage your time to improve your life.
[00:09:30] Analyzing meetings is essential for getting more out of training and meetings
[00:12:47] Hiring, training, and treating employees well are key factors that impact performance.
[00:14:11] A recap of high impact books featured on the podcast.
Resources
Take Advantage of Information
One of the things I really worry a lot about is when people don’t take advantage of information and resources available to them. With almost 500 episodes of the Creating Disney Magic podcast there is a wealth of knowledge and tools to help people succeed. We also provide education that is practical and actionable with the Cockrell Academy and our monthly Main Street Leader subscription. But here's the catch: you have to take the initiative. You have to take advantage of information that is available.
If you want to get ahead then recognize the importance of utilizing the wealth of information available and the significance of continuous learning. Leaders need to prioritize self-improvement and to make intentional efforts to enhance their knowledge and skills. There are a number of resources made available through the Cockrell Academy, including courses and monthly subscriptions focused on leadership and management. When you sign up for these resources make sure to fully engage with them. Schedule dedicated time for learning and personal growth.
Take a listen to this episode, 475, to hear more on the impact of knowledge, experience, and exposure on becoming the best version of ourselves in both our personal and professional lives.
Planning a vacation is easy with Magical Vacation Planners. They are ready to take care of you. Let them plan your next vacation by reaching out to them at 407-442-2694.
“Make things better through your people, not through you."
Episode Highlights
[00:01:11] Good leaders train, appreciate, recognize, and develop employees.
[00:03:59] Impactful communication key for emotional well-being.
[00:07:33] Pay attention to signs of anxiety and depression.
[00:09:50] Most important things as a leader are details and people.
Resources
Pay Attention to People
Paying attention to people is an essential leadership skill. It can lead to improved performance, employee satisfaction, and overall success. The root of everything, good or bad, lies in great people. When leaders are clear with expectations, provide training, appreciation, recognition, and development, employees pay attention to the details. It all starts with people.
Sadly, some leaders neglect their responsibility towards their team. They don't know their people, don't care about their career, and fail. Creating an environment of trust, appreciation, positive feedback, and emotional safety is crucial for productivity and growth. Understand that people are sensitive and fragile. Treat them well, and they will thrive.
Remember, it's not just about attention to operational detail. People need attention too! Notice when something has changed with your team. A gentle approach can save their career, their view of the company, and even their personal struggles. Pay attention! In challenging times like these, anxiety and depression are prevalent. It's our responsibility to be alert and pay attention to everyone in our lives. Look for signs that people need support and positive interaction. Let's be there for one another.
Attention to people is the heart of effective leadership. When leaders prioritize their team's well-being, everything else falls into place. Let's commit to being leaders who create magic by paying attention to the people who make it all possible.
People that know how to plan a trip are the agents with Magical Vacation Planners. Let them help plan your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.