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Creating Disney Magic

Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World, shares his wisdom and experience from his time with Disney, Marriott, and Hilton. Lee joins show host Jody Maberry to discuss how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.
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Now displaying: 2022
Dec 27, 2022

Today, Jody and I discuss how to reinforce good customer service. It’s not enough to require your team to provide customer service. You need to recognize specific actions, so it is reproducible.

As a leader, it is your job to recognize and reinforce the attributes you want your employees to embody. The only way to do that is to be out where it happens. Have your feet on the ground and see how your team treats the customers. When you see behavior you want repeated, call it out, and recognize the individual for it. The best recognition is specific.

When you are present and observant, it becomes easy to see what is cultivating in the culture of your team. You hire the team to make a difference, but you must create an environment for them to work within.

Expressing genuine and specific interest in people is the best way to recognize individuals and help them feel valued. Pay attention today, on purpose, and call them out for it. Recognized and rewarded behavior gets repeated. Bring it up and follow up. Make recognizing people part of who you are. That is how it becomes the culture.

You will make people’s lives better, and you will better yourself by intentionally seeking out opportunities to recognize others. Serve everyone like they are your best friend or family member. When you have a lot of happy people on your team, you will make more money. Simple as that.

If you want to experience great customer service, make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy

Dec 20, 2022

Today, Jody and I are looking at how to identify and deal with your biggest problem.

Identifying issues and problems that we have can be challening. Choosing which ones need to be tackled first can feel overwhelming. But failing to do the hard things and deal with problems will haunt you. The quicker you deal with something, the happier you will be.

It takes discipline to work on the hard things. When you put problems off and don’t confront them, they grow and taking care of them doesn't get any easier.

Built-up problems cause anxiety. Depression can paralyze and keep you from the action. Something that seems small in the beginning can become much harder to overcome. Just do it. Attack it and get after it. Just like there are symptoms in our body that something isn’t right, we have symptoms in our life that tell us if something needs to be dealt with.

The first step to dealing with issues is to identify them. Stop what you are doing. Make a list of what you need to get rid of or the hard things you know you need to do. Little things can grow into big issues if left unchecked. Don’t let the little things in your life grow into big issues.

When it comes to dealing with issues with people, it is the same process. Take a moment and make a list of your grievances. Next, set up a time to discuss it and talk through them. Conversations are key. Whether personal or professional, identify the problem and take action to rectify them.

If you want to limit issues on your next vacation, make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy

Dec 13, 2022

Today, Jody and I discuss the recent changes that have taken place at Disney. I also provide my interpretation of what may have led to it and what we, as leaders, can learn.

As many have heard, there was a recent change in leadership at Disney as Bob Chapek stepped down and Bog Iger returned to head the company. When Bob Chapek stepped into his role at Disney, he came in hard, and centralized everything. Unfortunately, centralizing communicates distrust. This led to mistakes and an atmosphere of discontent.

I’ve mentioned before how business is a three-legged stool. Take care of your customers, take care of your employees, and take care of Wall Street. If you don’t do one of these, you become unbalanced, and it will topple. A three-legged stool can’t stand up when it has missing legs.

Great people want to be involved and make a difference. When you communicate distrust, you will lose your best people. When you get a good team, trust them. Give them authority. You aren’t as good as you think you are. If you want to get somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to get far, go with people.

These are the differences between Chapek and Iger. One led with trust and allowed autonomy, and the other did his best to hold the reins on everything. A good leader knows success comes from people. Value input and be a good listener. Value input above ego, and you will go far.

If you are considering visiting Disney to see the changes for yourself, make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy

Dec 6, 2022

 

Today, Jody and I discuss the difference between having fewer meetings and more conversations and how that can benefit your company.

I recently attended a two-day conference for camps in Chicago. Something that stuck out was the number of things they solved and situations they brought clarity to through involved conversations. We are used to a culture of meetings. People show up and listen to others talk, and everyone walks away without solving much.

As a leader, don’t sit at a table with people who don’t want to be there. Be strategic and get the people who care about the topic in the room. Now you can get to the bottom of things. Another approach is getting rid of the table. Without a table, it is harder to be disengaged or on your phone.

It isn’t too difficult to implement. Take a problem and introduce the concept of gathering people together and getting opinions. Allow the appropriate amount of time. Once people get comfortable, they will start contributing.  Not only does this expand your pool of knowledge and experience, it helps educate others and expand their understanding of the situation.

So, next time you need to start a conversation, even if you are the owner of a corner store, do what needs to be done. Close early, grab some food, expand your search parameters, and add value to the reason people should join.                           

If you are interested in visiting Chicago after this episode, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Connect with Lee

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy

The Customer Rules

Nov 29, 2022

Today, Jody and I look at the inner workings of the hospitality industry and what we can learn from it regardless the industry you are in.

I worked in hospitality for many years. Much of what I learned during my time as a General Manager of a hotel chain formed the foundation for how I approach customer service.

It is important to gather facts and information. There are different types of customers, and each type has different needs. Get on the ground and figure out what they are looking for. Build a list of what your customers need before they have a chance to ask for it.

Your customers and employees know everything you need, get out and talk with them. They are happy to do a good job; they need the tools. Set a clear standard of excellence and explain the specifics.

Be guest focused. Stop what you are doing and focus on your guests. People want what they want, and they want it immediately. Meet those needs. Teach each area of your organization how they can best meet the needs of their customers. As the administrator, get around, be on the floor and find the issues before the guests can.

These are the basics. Understand the basics of your business and do them. The basics of hospitality will win every time. If you want to be great, everything matters. If you are ok with good, then you can let things go.                                         

One organization that knows what you need and does everything to meet it is Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

The Customer Rules

Nov 22, 2022

Today, Jody and I discuss what it means to take calculated risks in your career. I started taking risks early in my career and I wouldn’t change it.

Taking risks can be intimidating, but they aren’t as great as they are in your mind. It is easier to take risks earlier in your career; you have your whole life ahead of you. When you start taking risks, you build confidence. That confidence helps you grow and make wise decisions on the risks you take as you continue your career.

You don’t want to regret life. People are so afraid to lose their security, which is understandable. Don’t let security and the fear of loss hinder advancing your future. Once you start taking risks, it gets easier.

It is necessary to have a solid support system when you are taking risks. Get input from those in your life. Once you are more established in your life, and your decisions affect other people, it can become difficult to take those risks, and you need to give more consideration to the ones you decide to take.

What do you consider when taking a risk? Ask yourself the following questions:

 1) What Can go wrong and what do I have in place if it does?

 2) Will this experience and knowledge pay off late?

 3) Who will this help me become?

One thing that is not a risk is using Magical Vacation Planners for your next vacation. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Career Magic Book

Nov 15, 2022

Today, Jody and I are unpacking how you can understand a situation from every angle. It is easy to be emotionally triggered, but as a leader, you must deal with every situation with professionalism and respect.

Our biases can lead us to jump to conclusions, especially if it involves someone we respect or enjoy being around. No matter the parties involved, you need to be a detective and check it out; it affects other people. If you have any doubt, especially about someone, it’s best to bring it up so they can clear it up.

You may not be aware you have a bias, but everyone does. Be bold enough to ask questions and figure yours out. Often, people are dealing with problems of which we are unaware. Give others the benefit of the doubt, especially if you aren’t sure about the situation. Get everyone together and get to the bottom of the issue.

Someone will always be at fault, often multiple people. As a leader, your job is to find what part lies with you and make it right. Then you investigate the situation with compassion and respect for everyone involved.

Magical Vacation Planners are extremely professional and the definition of professional experts. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic

Lee’s website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Nov 8, 2022

Today, Jody and I are tackling the question of Matthew Miller. Many places are understaffed, so how can employees make the best of a bad situation in their work environment?

Be the light where you work. A strong employee becomes synonymous with a company for customers. You can represent your business. You may have to dig deep during times of stress, but your commitment will show through.

Focus on a great product. Make it a point to acknowledge the customer. For a customer, there is nothing worse than having an issue and people acting like there is nothing wrong. Don’t stay silent. Find what you can do specifically to make each encounter as positive as possible. Peer pressure is a strong influence, so when you are positive, it will carry over.

Providing consistent service can cover a multitude of evils. People are more likely to put up with things like delays if they are confident of receiving a quality product and good communication. It doesn’t matter if you are short-staffed, you can still take care of your customer.

If you have a question, make sure to reach out at  jodymaberry.com.

One company that is great about absorbing inconveniences and unavoidable complications during travel is Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic

Lee’s website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Nov 1, 2022

After our most recent Creating Magic Mastermind, Jody and I are recording live from my favorite coffee shop, Coffee for the Soul. One of the conversations to surface during the mastermind was the importance of not making your bad day someone else’s bad day.

We have all had bad days. It is human nature to want to pass that bad on, either by talking about it or reacting and our actions causing someone else’s day to be bad. Bad days are going to happen. What can we do to make sure it doesn’t spread?

Don’t talk about what is wrong with people who can’t help. You can discuss it in the context of finding a solution, but don’t put the burden on others who can’t do anything about it.

You can also make sure to be nice. Everyone is upset right now. People are worried; they are not fine. Pay attention and look beyond the quick answer. Do your best to step in and help those around you. When you have a problem, you don’t need to pass it on. Negative attitudes are contagious. Do your best to keep bad attitudes from spreading and to make sure a good one is passed much further.

We’d like to connect with you. You can connect with us at either jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com

Magical Vacation Planners will deal with the problems that arise rather than pass them on to you. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic

Lee’s website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Oct 25, 2022

This week Jody and I build on a recent LinkedIn post by Steve Ross. Steve referenced a previous Creating Disney Magic episode where we discussed the three P’s of getting a promotion. Steve brought up a great point. There is another P needed for the equation: Patience.

The 3 Ps of Getting a Promotion covered the importance of persistence, passion, and people. As Steve pointed out, patience is also vital in moving forward. Some circumstances require patience. Maybe it isn’t the right time, and if you are patient, you may still get the promotion you are looking for.

Patience and persistence go together. If you like where you are and know where you want to go, hang in there. Over time, you will find a path for the promotion you are looking for. You can’t just wait around; you need to start doing things to improve yourself, so people have no reason to say no when the time comes. People want things now, but the more experience and exposure you have, the more authority you possess to hold it once you get it.

Everything in life, whether working out, being a parent, or even battling traffic, requires patience and persistence. Persistence asks what it will take and then puts in the work to get it. Patience keeps you anchored and rooted while you work towards your goal.

Outside forces can make traveling require extra patience and perseverance. Magical Vacation Planners can take the stress out of waiting for you. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

3 P’s of Getting a Promotion

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Ron Logan Tribute Episode

Oct 18, 2022

Last week Jody and I discussed the moment of truth for customers. Did you know there is also a moment of truth for employees? The people you hire have a moment of truth, just like a customer does.

Often employers make promises to get employees in the door. It is especially true now, as it seems there are never enough people to fill every role. When an employee comes in with a promise, and that thing never manifests, they will leave. Your team needs to know what is in it for them and that you will follow through on it.

Training, opportunities, and partnering with team members for their health and wellness are all promises that mean the world to potential employees. If they don’t come together, people will walk away. Don’t promise something to get people in the door and then fail to deliver. That moment of truth for an employee is in everything we do.

The promises you make must be the template for your company standards. Make promises you can deliver on. Have clear values for your team, and then embody those same values. Your policies and procedures are in place to help you keep your promises, not get you out of them.

If you want to work with someone who will embody the standard they set for service, Magical Vacation Planners is your next call. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Ron Logan Tribute Episode

Oct 11, 2022

Today Jody and I are looking at the moment of truth for customers. What is the moment of truth? It is that moment when your commercial comes in contact with the product. Does what your customer gets align with what you promised?

Marketing and sales teams set high expectations. As the leader, we must ask if our product can live up to the promise. Can we achieve the moment of truth for a customer with what we offer? Whether it is service, quality, or the overall experience and aesthetic, every business has to make good on what the public was sold. Walk through what you presented and make sure we are executing correctly.

Everyone has expectations. Do expectations and reality align in what we are doing? As a manager, it is our job to focus on that moment of truth. Are we meeting expectations? Even as individuals, are we living up to our personal brand and our reputation? Do you practice what you preach? Or are people colliding with expectations and reality and getting hurt in the process?

Marketing gets people in the door, but the operation delivers and makes customers want to return. Repeat business is the best business. It doesn’t cost you to keep customers, you just have to deliver on what you have promised.

Magical Vacation Planners is one company that delivers on what is promised. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Ron Logan Tribute Episode

Oct 4, 2022

Today Jody and I unpack how you, as a leader, using outside resources to train your team can add value to the training.

Often we think of training as something we develop or put in place. When it comes to the technical aspects of your organization, that is the foundation you build on. However, you can provide high-quality training and invest in your team by utilizing outside resources. Today, there are many valuable offerings available, many of which are free or low-cost. You can utilize podcasts, books, and articles to help drive points home in your team.

Be creative about how you are infiltrating the brains of your team members. Find ways to help them grow and learn. As the boss, you need to get things stated. Make developing your team a priority. It doesn’t cost much, just the intention and follow-through. Leaders make their people better; they don’t just manage the bottom line.

As a leader, it is your job to make your team better. The better they get, the less there is for you to do. You can make a difference when teams have clarity and work together.

If you are looking for a good place to start with outside resources, check out our Main Street Leader Newsletter or the Cockerell Academy.

Another great outside resource you can use it Magical Vacation Planners. They can help you plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Ron Logan Tribute Episode

Sep 27, 2022

Today Jody and I are answering another question we asked during a recent webinar. This one came while we were talking about setting clear expectations when hiring and retaining people.  One of the attendees asked , “what if this was not part of the process when you were hired somewhere?” It can cause anxiety when you don’t know or understand your managers expectations.

Be brave enough to go ask them. How am I doing? Is there anything about my attitude, performance, or skills that you think I should improve? Ask them directly to give you feedback. Let them know you appreciate their clarity.

Believe it or not, there were a lot of people that would decide not to work at Disney once we got clear with them. They realized they the schedule or responsibilities wouldn’t work for them. And that is okay. It saves everybody trouble if you are clear in the beginning.

In Time Management seminars I always talk about how important it is to get clear right at the beginning of a project. Ask right away for a day or time that it should be done. Without it there are too many ways to make mistakes and fall behind. Do not leave room for loopholes.

One way to get clarity on the planning needed for your vacation is to call Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Careermagicbook.com

Sep 20, 2022

Today Jody and I are talking about an incident that happened to me recently. With all the credit card scams in the world I often wonder if I am next, and I was. There were a lot of things that were very frustrating about the issue, but it was a great reminder that your attitude can save the day.

After going to the bank and taking care of everything we thought needed to be done, my wide Pricilla and I were still running into issues. We ended up having to go back to the bank, spend even more of our time, and getting frustrated because the bank seemed to be totally screwed up.

At the end of the day, the only thing that kept me from getting mad was the attitude of the banker that was helping us. He was really polite. Showed that he really cared. And took care of the problem by being persistent.

Some people I have worked with are very technically competent but they don’t care too much. They don’t have the personality that gives you the confidence that they can and will take care of this.

People will believe and trust you when you are nice. That may be the key to keeping customers. No matter what you do, even when you don’t know what to do, be nice. It goes a long way in an otherwise stressful situation.

Another thing that would be nice is a vacation. Magical Vacation Planners can help. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic

Lee's website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Sep 13, 2022

Today Jody and I are answering a question we asked during a recent webinar. An event planner observed, “Burnout is a common problem in any environment.” She followed up with this question: “What are your thoughts on working through burnout?”

Be proactive. Burnout stems from time management issues and is a precursor to incoming mental health issues like anxiety. The best way to deal with it is to not get to that point. It all ties back into time management. There are seasons we encounter. Sometimes you need to focus. Sometimes you need to put your head down, work and sleep. But that shouldn’t be all the time.

The concept of time management is simple. Determine what needs to doing and what needs to stop. Do you need to ask for help? If you don’t make room for caring for yourself physically, you are setting yourself up to run down. Even when things are busy, you need to think about where you need to spend your time so you can keep your health and relationships under control.

As a leader, if you have an employee dealing with burnout, you need to be aware. Don’t assume everyone is ok; check in on people. We all need to pay more attention. Create space for your team and ask them what you can do for them. Think about what we are doing and make changes as needed.

If you are feeling burnout, maybe you need a vacation. Magical Vacation Planners can save you any unneeded anxiety. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic

Lee's website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Sep 6, 2022

Today Jody and I are discussing the difference between motivating or inspiring as a leader. There is a difference, and it impacts the culture of your business.

There is a fine line between motivation and inspiration. It is not a leader's job to motivate people. A good leader hires motivated people. Then it is the leader's job to inspire them. That is done on many different levels.

The best leaders create an environment that inspires people to do their best and stay engaged. Motivated people will do a great job because they are passionate about and inspired by what they do. As a leader, you create the environment. It is your policies, procedures, and the opportunities you present to your team.

Today, pay means more than just a dollar amount. People want flexibility, to be valued and treated well. This is just as much part of their pay as the cash in their pocket. These building blocks make up the environment that will inspire employees to give their all. Motivation may have a place, but it can also be a form of manipulation. If your management depends on incentives or fear of repercussion, you won’t foster an inspiring environment.

As a leader, you want to inspire your team. You don’t want them dependent on circumstances or a specific person for them to be able to do a good job. Give them an environment they can be passionate in, and you will see they motivate themselves.

If you are inspired to travel, let Magical Vacation Planners create the perfect environment for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic

Lee's website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Aug 30, 2022

Today Jody and I are looking at how to hire and retain the right people. Everywhere you look, people are struggling to hire or keep employees. What can you do to avoid this pitfall?

Everyone needs the right amount of the right people to run their business, but where do you start? What do you do if you don’t have enough employees? You need to invest in fixing the problem. It may take time. It may take money. There are resources available and companies that help you find and hire the right employees. Let them work on getting people in the door so you can focus on keeping them there.

How do you retain the right people? You invest in them from the beginning. Starting their first day, and every day after, let them know you care. Connect with them, invest in them, and value them from the beginning. Make them part of the process and help them understand they matter. Create an environment that appreciates and equips people. Then be intentional about implementing it. Be purposeful about building trust.

 There are seasons you have to buckle down and focus to get yourself out of the situation you are in. Invest the time, energy, and resources to build your team, and be intentional about keeping them. Communicate how you invest in your team and follow through.Magical Vacation Planners is a worthwhile resource when it comes to planning a vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Tim Dyck - bestculturesolutions.ca
Carol Quinn – hireauthority.com

Aug 23, 2022

Today Jody and I are talking about the importance of saying no and why you should say no more often.

 

It is easy to be a people pleaser or want to feel important. That can lead to over-committing yourself and may take away your ability to say yes to important things. You will always have opportunities "come up" . There will always be invitations for dinners or meetings or any other number of well-intentioned invitations. 

 

Ask yourself if you want to do something or if it is better to decline. It isn’t hard to learn what to say yes or no to. Taking care of yourself, your family, and your business must be at the top of your priority list. If an opportunity conflicts with any of those things, it’s an easy no. Say yes to what aligns with your priorities and say no to what takes away from them.

 

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, you probably need to say no more often. My Morning Magic Planner is a great resource for planning your time in a way that aligns with your priorities. You can download it for free at leecockerell.com.

Travel is getting more complicated, but that doesn’t mean you need to take on the extra stress. Give Magical Vacation Planners a call and let them help you streamline the process. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Morning Magic Planner

Aug 16, 2022

Today we are discussing the three things you need to have an excellent career.

People often ask what they need to have or do to be successful. I’ve spoken about it many times, but today I will explain it in more depth. To have an excellent career you need education, experience, and exposure.

Education isn’t just about a degree; you don’t need a piece of paper to be successful. You do need to be a lifelong learner. There are so many opportunities to learn available today. You learn by asking questions, listening to podcasts, attending seminars, and being intentional about learning. Education is forever. You can get smarter every day if you want to.

Experience takes that education a step farther into reality. Be intentional about experiencing the things you learn about in everyday life. Find the things that grow you, take what you have learned and make them actual. Learn by paying attention on purpose. Get out of your comfort zone and around those things that others are doing. If you are interested in something, go and experience something similar and learn from it.

Lastly, you must expose yourself to new experiences, people, and cultures. The more things you are exposed to, the more it develops and refines you. You will never be the same once you come face to face with things beyond your own limited experience.

If you want to experience an excellent vacation, make sure you use Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Career Magic

Aug 9, 2022

Today we are discussing the importance of self-reflection, both as an employee and as a leader.

We have talked a few times about the changing terrain of the employee/employer relationship. People today are unwilling to remain in toxic environments or in places they don’t feel valued. There are some industries where no matter how hard you work, you will probably encounter unappreciative environments.

The service industry is notorious for this. But sometimes, we must check in with ourselves to see if negative feedback is warranted. This is called self-reflection.

When you encounter harsh environments at work, you can choose to move on or press on. You can leave now, or you can push through and leave later with exposure, experience, and training. Regardless of the environment, your job is to learn and get better. There is a benefit to waiting it out. Learn how to be the leader you want to be by immolating good leaders and recognizing what you don’t want to take away from bad ones.

If your work environment is an obstacle, don’t let it undermines your future. Have a talk with yourself and get prepared. You know poor treatment is going to happen. Composure is part of leadership. Learn to navigate any and all situations and become better because of them. Never stop reflecting. Learn who you want to be by looking at the leaders around you, and then become who you want to be by fine-tuning the traits you see in yourself.

It’s not too late to take a trip this year, maybe explore a new theme park or national site. Make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip and let them help make your dream a reality. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Career Magic

Aug 2, 2022

Today Jody and I are taking a look at how to handle conflict in the workplace. After reading a recent article featuring a conflict between airline pilots, the question of how to handle situations like this has been front of mind.

As a leader, you must remain cool, calm, and collected; especially where conflict is involved. Your ability to be focused and get the job done safely is a huge part of leadership. When you lose your composure, you run the risk of making wrong decisions. 

When you lead, you need to be able to set people at ease and get the job done safely. If you are handling a conflict between employees, how you respond is key; people are watching to see what you will do. As a leader, you need to do the following:

  • Get to the bottom of the conflict
  • Determine fault and necessary disciplinary action
  • Take stock of the bigger picture and be willing to send the necessary message to other team members.

It is important to deal with conflict as soon as possible. Don’t wait. The sooner you deal with it, the better it will be. Have a standard you operate by and get in front of the situation. As a leader, you set the baseline for how your organization handles conflict. Make sure you are reinforcing it among your team.

If you are taking a vacation, don’t get stuck troubleshooting if things go wrong. Make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip and let them handle the surprise for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

There is still room for our next Creating Magic Mastermind in October. If you are interested, reach out to Jody or myself for more information via jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com

Resources

Cockerell Academy

Jul 26, 2022

Today we are revisiting an important topic: time management.

How people approach time management has changed in recent years. People don’t just want to be more productive; they want to focus on what really matters to them. Time management isn’t just about fitting more things into your day. It is about being aware of your priorities and using your time to get closer to accomplishing them.

Often the things we need to do are not the things we want to do. If you don’t do the hard things in life, life will get harder for you. Do what will pay off later now. Invest your time wisely. Invest in yourself. Invest in your family. Invest in your business, in that order. Don’t wish you had more time for your kids. Spend more time on them.

Get a system in your life that will manage your life, just like you use systems in your business to keep everything running. Think ahead. What will you regret not doing later? That is what you need to prioritize and intentionally spend your time on. Get it balanced. Where you spend time is where your life will be.

If you are looking for a way to prioritize time with your family, maybe it is time to take a vacation. Make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources

Cockerell Academy
Time Management

Jul 19, 2022

Technology is a crucial part of everything we do. But does it get in the way of connecting with customers and co-workers?

Getting people to talk and interact has become a challenge. We miss out on creativity, collaboration, and 

It's time to get people in your organization to get together in person. After being apart for two years, many people have gotten comfortable being away from their coworkers. There is an advantage to letting people work from home, but too much time away from coworkers can led people to be introverts. 

As a leader, you have to find the right way to get people back together. It will be good for your organization and for each individual. Over time, it has an impact if people are not building relationships with each other. 

Technology is getting in the way of customer service, too. Often now, you see people in customer service roles on their phones. The phone is a distraction that gets in the way of paying attention to each customer. When a customer sees someone on their phone, it sends the signal that customers are not a priority. 

If you don't have a technology policy in place, it can be difficult to put one in place. You have to begin being open and candid. Start by talking about why you are there, to serve the customer, and how distraction from technology gets in the way. 

If you want some guidance when it comes to leadership, management, and customer service, check out the Cockerell Academy. 

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