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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: November, 2022
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/

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