If you have traveled this year, you have noticed most people are stressed. Most businesses are understaffed.
Priscilla and I just returned from Europe and saw service delays everywhere we went.
Most travelers experience flight delays or cancelations. It's hard to get a rental car. Restaurants don't have enough people to serve customers.
Some companies stand out with their service, even with the current conditions. We went on a cruise with Virgin Voyages in Europe. The rooms were fabulous, and the meals were great, but you first notice the service, even though they are likely short-staffed like everyone else.
Lack of service and lack of staff impact nearly every business. Many of them use it as an excuse for poor service. This gives you the perfect opportunity to stand out by delivering excellent customer service. Now is the time to get an advantage and get in front of everyone else.
If you want an advantage in customer service, start with the course World Class Customer Service in the Cockerell Academy. While everyone else is struggling, you can learn new ways to treat customers so well they won't even think about working with anyone else.
Today we are tackling a question on many leaders' minds. How do you keep your employees from leaving?
It is pretty simple. Appreciate your employees. Toxic culture is the most cited reason for leaving a job. It has been on the rise, and it is not going anywhere. As leaders, make a strategy to keep your employees and prioritize implementing it.
When the culture isn’t right, people leave. We like to think it is because of money or another factor. But whether it is in our professional life, or our personal life, culture is critical. People will abandon a ship they perceive to be sinking.
Don’t make strategies and decisions based on what you think is impacting your team. Put your assumptions away and make an effort to determine what is driving people to leave. As soon as you admit something is wrong, you can work on changing it. One of the best ways to address and improve culture is by training your leadership. Equip your middle managers to be good leaders that will take care of their team.
Now may be a good time to leave…but just temporarily. Take a vacation and make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today we are exploring how to overcome the old mentality that says if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. People can be resistant to change. Often, people push back when it is personal. So, if you want to help overcome resistance, you have to come at it on a personal level.
It can be difficult, especially when dealing with frontline workers. When you let anyone know about the change, talk to them in the same way you talk to leaders. Don’t try to soft-sell it. Let them know that everyone is important and that you value their input. Don’t try to spin it; create a culture that lets you talk about it and determine the correct decision.
Sometimes, you need to move quickly, but you want the change to last. Pull on those who know more about the situation than you do. Information is easy to come by, but wisdom is harder to gather. In your industry, things are constantly changing, and you need to make sure you are adapting and growing. Remember, input is never wasted. It provides you with the information you need, and it gives your team the respect and value they deserve.
Since travel has opened back up, lots of places are busy and short staffed. Make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today we answer a listener question. Should the top leader be the face of change, or should a direct leader represent change for the store they manage?
Transition can be difficult for anyone. When you are a leader, and there is a change to implement, you need to approach it with empathy and a clear plan of action. If you are bringing discipline or correction, make sure you take the time to prepare. Have clear takeaway points and communicate what needs to be changed or be done.
When you come alongside the leaders under you, you help them learn to see with your eyes. The opinion doesn’t matter until you are on the same page of expectations. If there is confusion or a difference of opinions, communicate. Let them know you are working on it. Take time to prepare, go over things and then work together to make sure appropriate changes are implemented.
As you come into alignment, allow them to be the person to communicate to their teams the changes that are coming. Allow them to be in control of the standard you set for their team. Creating a clear flow and an untied front will help create a solid culture for your team.
Travel is opening up, but things can be chaotic. Avoid the chaos and contact Magical Vacation Planners for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today we are celebrating something big. Episode 400! Creating Disney Magic started eight years ago and has stood the test of time. Jody has some interesting statistics about our audience.
As we record our four hundredth episode, Jody asks an interesting question. Why keep doing the show? After eight years, I am surprised how much I have learned through this podcast; not to mention it is the perfect way of connecting with individuals who may benefit from my other products. I have some great courses, resources and even do some public speaking. It amazes me how the more you explain, the more you understand. Teaching feeds your brain with knowledge.
My biggest take away is asking more often. Ask for what you want. The worst people can do is say no. But they may say yes. Ask more and offer more. The more you help people, the more you get out of it.
It has been a pleasure to work with Magical Vacation Planners over the duration of the show. Make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners about your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today Jody and I are looking at the difference between being efficient and being effective. We also are going to tell you which is more important.
You can be efficient by getting a long to-do list done, but are you being effective? If you aren’t focusing on the correct things, then you may be checking things off without being effective. Being effective means you are getting the right things done.
It is not enough to keep busy. Make sure you schedule your priorities. Then you can make sure you are focusing on the right things. It’s not hard to fill time. It can be difficult to focus on the hard stuff that needs doing. Being busy isn’t the same as being effective.
You are not the product of your circumstances; you are the product of the decisions you have been making throughout your life. Think about the results you are looking for, and then do those things that you need to do to get you there. Do things right, not fast. Speed does not equal efficiency. Watch the data, then determine the metrics that will help you be effective and build efficiencies around them.
If you want to take an effective vacation in the most efficient way, contact Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
Today we are celebrating our countdown to 400 episodes! This is episode 398, and Jody and I are talking about a topic that means a lot to me personally.
People often talk about work-life balance. What they don’t realize is work-life balance is an artificial barrier. You have one life, and you have to get it all in. Every area impacts and affects the others, so it doesn’t do any good to try and separate them. Sometimes you have to take home to work. Sometimes you have to take work home.
It’s not enough to focus on one or the other. Focus on good time management and quit wasting time. Know when to stop taking stuff on. Prioritize what is important and then schedule it to make sure it happens. It isn’t hard to learn. Study it, read it, and implement it. A new habit can take a while, but stay with it, and you will see improvement.
As far as wellness at work is concerned, leaders need to set the example and provide the space and accountability employees need to take care of themselves. Encourage your team to prioritize their health and set the example yourself.
If you have a goal of taking a vacation this year, prioritize it and schedule a time to talk to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
When I was a General Manager at a hotel in Marriott, I came up with a purpose statement for all hotel staff to use as they did their job.
"Be so nice to the guest they won't believe it."
A listener asked if the purpose statement should change depending on the level of the employee.
Your organization should have one purpose statement to apply to every role. Even if someone has a backstage role, they still contribute to how you serve the customer. Even if you never see a customer, understanding the purpose statement can change the way you approach your job.
If "being so nice to the gues they won't believe it" is our purpose statement, it may change how you approach your backstage role. Maybe you make a purposeful walk through the lobby to say Hello to customers. Maybe you walk to your car slower to see if you can find a chance to help someone. Maybe you help out front-line workers so they are better prepared to serve.
At Walt Disney World, our purpose statement is "make sure every Guest has the most fabulous time of their life." When Cast Members keep this top of mind, the front-line gets focus and support from managers and backstage roles. And the Guest wins. Everyone is focused on making sure every Guest has a fabulous time.
No matter what your role or your organization, you can apply a purpose statement to drive you every day. When customers feel good about you, they will do more business with you.
Someone once asked us about their dilemma about investing in their staff or focusing on business results during a tough time.
It's not an easy situation for any organization to be in. A business needs to survive. If you aren't making any money, you can't support the employees or serve customers.
When a listener sends us a question, we don't often hear how it turns out. This episode updates what happened when we answered a listener's question about investing in people.
If you are faced with a challenging situation in your organization, the best thing you can do is be upfront with everyone. Let them know what the organization is going through and the impact it is going to have. Create the feeling that you are all going through it together, and let as many people as possible offer input and ideas.
Investing in people had a big payoff for the listener who gave us the update. They took the short-term hit to the bottom line to make the long-term investment in their people. He was promoted to president and promoted three of his people to Vice President. Usually, when times get tough, the first thing companies do is pull back from what they offer to employees. Instead, this company discovered when you take care of your people; they will take care of you.
Every situation is different, but you will make the right decision if you lead with empathy and discipline. The key is to invest in your team before there is a crisis. If you are already taking care of them, they are more likely to be committed when there is a crisis.
Today we have a special guest Tim Schurrer with us. Tim spent ten years on Donald Miller’s Storybrand team, and now he is publishing an impactful book. The Secret Society of Success.
If I had to boil down Tim’s book to one sentence, it is this: don’t become a big deal. When we think of success we picture climbing a ladder or being the boss. But is that success? If fame, money, and power are not the building blocks of success, what are they? According to Tim, it is helping others win. When we help others be their best, we experience true success.
Everyone wants to do what is meaningful. We do that by asking: who are we here for? In the office or at home, you have to show up and play your part. Take the posture that allows you to help someone else. Check-in with yourself and ask the hard questions. How am I showing up as a leader? As a spouse? As a parent? Success isn’t only found in the boardroom. It is found in the living room at home. Everyone matters and that is the mindset that will help you experience true success.
Another society that will help you find success in your vacation preparations is Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Resources:
Build a Winning Team Podcast
Secretsocietyfree.com (get the first two chapters free)
Now that the world is opening back up, many leaders wonder what they should focus on to contend with the current climate. Many employees are resigning and looking for something else. These are the five things that every company needs to be mindful of.
Retention is a big deal; employees know they can find a new job easily. Why should they stay where they are unhappy? Do you want to know how to retain your employees? Find out what makes them unhappy, and fix it. Once you identify what makes them happy, double down on it.
Four pillars are imperative for success: collaboration, trust, communicating with clarity, and competency. Collaboration is an attitude, and it sets the tone for your company. Trust is what creates return customers and retains employees; be the person who returns the call, encourages others, and seeks to help. Communicate clearly. Be clear about expectations from the beginning. Lastly, always work on competency. You need to be growing and getting better at what you do for as long as you do it.
Whether you are dealing with the older generation or younger, meet them where they are at. You don’t need to be recruiting more; focus on retaining the talent we have by creating value and fostering an environment where employees want to be.If you need a change, maybe it is time to take a vacation. Make sure you connect with Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Resources
Today, Jody and I are talking about the importance of expanding your mind. It is beneficial to be versed in multiple topics. The good news is it isn’t complicated to grow in the things you know.
I have mentioned before that experience, exposure, and education are important building blocks for life. When it comes to expanding your understanding, the three “E”s are just as vital. If you want to grow in what you know, be intentional. Make sure you are getting a little something every day. Listen to the input around you. Read, listen to podcasts and make sure you are always learning from the people in the room.
As questions and go deeper with the individuals you have relationships with. Ask them questions about the things they are passionate. Ask yourself, “How am I feeding my brain every day?” The more you encounter, the more curious you will be. Allow that curiosity to drive you to expand your horizon and expose you to deeper levels of thought.
When you have a well to draw from, your self-confidence increases. Make sure you are giving yourself every opportunity to take in and learn from all the different mediums you come across.
If you are looking to learn all about the best strategy for planning a vacation, make sure you connect with Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Resources:
Today, Jody and I are talking about how to prepare for something going wrong in your business and how you communicate it to your customers.
It doesn’t matter your industry; you will find yourself in a situation where you have to deliver bad news. How you handle the communication of disappointing information can reinforce or destroy the trust your customers have in you. The best thing you can do is get ahead of the situation.
Take some time to think ahead and work through potential scenarios. Think through what could go wrong and develop a plan. You can even look at the challenges that industries similar to yours encounter. Ask yourself, “How would we have handled that?”. Outline processes and procedures for actual issues and train your team accordingly. Do you have automated systems? Are they factored into your plan? Make sure those who are closest to the situation are trained and authorized to make decisions in the event of an emergency.
It is a big responsibility. How you handle negative situations and how you communicate that to your customers is a big deal. It is your brand and your reputation. Make sure you communicate trustworthiness even when things go wrong.
If you are traveling and want to work with a team that will keep you in the loop, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
Today, Jody brought up a practice we had at Disney known as the No Strings Attached voucher. Simply put, a cast member was empowered to provide a guest with this certificate to help rectify a negative experience. If your kid dropped their ice cream or your shirt tore on a ride, the No Strings Attached voucher could fix it…with no strings attached.
In business, you need to ensure your employees can correct issues without running them up the chain of command. It makes a huge impression when your team is empowered to make things right without jumping through hoops or getting caught up in the hierarchy. It shouldn’t be a big surprise when people go the extra mile to make things right, but often it is. Because it is rare, it makes an impression and creates loyalty.
Teach your team to look for opportunities to correct issues for others. This is a philosophy you can take into your personal life as well. Take ten minutes and make someone’s day better. When you approach a situation, be nice intentionally and figure out how you can take care of the problem.
Imagine how our encounters with others can be elevated if we serve each other with no strings attached.
If you want to work with a team that will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience possible, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
Today, Jody and I are recording this episode in person, and we are exploring what it means to have a professional presence.
You don’t need a corner office to carry yourself professionally. It’s not just something executives have or need. When you put yourself forward professionally, you communicate that you are trustworthy and dependable.
Whether it is dressing for an interview or the way you interact with individuals in everyday encounters, how you carry yourself says far more than your resume. If you want to create a professional presence, be confident. As you gain exposure and experience, your confidence will grow. Dress the part. First impressions are important; you don’t get a redo. Be composed. When you are comfortable, you allow others to be comfortable as well.
Another way you set yourself apart is by being others-centered. Ask about others rather than talking about yourself. When you pay attention to others, it leaves a good impression. People may forget what you say, but they won’t forget how you make them feel.
Lastly, dress for the event. Whatever it is, do your due diligence ahead of time and show up appropriately dressed. Often, people dress as casually as they believe they can get away with. Be the person who shows your respect by dressing to show you care. Be ready. It doesn’t matter what it is, but make sure you are ready for it.
Now is the perfect time to start making summer plans. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
Today, Jody and I are recording this episode in person, and we are exploring what it means to have a professional presence.
You don’t need a corner office to carry yourself professionally. It’s not just something executives have or need. When you put yourself forward professionally, you communicate that you are trustworthy and dependable.
Whether it is dressing for an interview or the way you interact with individuals in everyday encounters, how you carry yourself says far more than your resume. If you want to create a professional presence, be confident. As you gain exposure and experience, your confidence will grow. Dress the part. First impressions are important; you don’t get a redo. Be composed. When you are comfortable, you allow others to be comfortable as well.
Another way you set yourself apart is by being others-centered. Ask about others rather than talking about yourself. When you pay attention to others, it leaves a good impression. People may forget what you say, but they won’t forget how you make them feel.
Lastly, dress for the event. Whatever it is, do your due diligence ahead of time and show up appropriately dressed. Often, people dress as casually as they believe they can get away with. Be the person who shows your respect by dressing to show you care. Be ready. It doesn’t matter what it is, but make sure you are ready for it.
Now is the perfect time to start making summer plans. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
Today, we have a listener question from Will Walsh. Will has a complex question. In short, he asks, “What do you do when leaders have to tend to legitimate family issues that will keep them out while they prioritize family?” Will specifically asks about those in management who will be missing multiple shifts in a given month.
It is not an easy needle to thread. In today’s cultural setting, it is important to allow employees the space to prioritize family. The workforce today isn’t looking to live to work; they want to work so they can live. So they can provide for their family. It says a lot about a culture when employees know there is space to take time and care for their families. Whether it is for bereavement or a medical issue, it is an issue that communicates value.
It is also important to keep your company running. It may be easier to look at someone in a non-management role and allow them to take extended or repetitive time for a family issue. With management, it is a bit more nuanced. A conversation is in order. Help them however you can and keep your business going. Discuss it with them. Maybe they need to move into a new role and find a position that better facilitates their current season of life. One example may be a temporary step into an hourly role.
It can be a difficult situation to navigate. Your employees know you are trying and see you working on their behalf. The knowledge that values align and their life outside of the office is important to leadership says a lot about a culture. Now, more than ever, values are more important than benefits.
Spring is in full bloom and it is time to start planning your next getaway. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
Resources:
Today, we have a listener question from Rich Urich. Rich asks, “Can you talk about the interview process and how to prepare?” Thankfully, we live in a day and age when preparing for an interview is easy.
First and foremost, look presentable when you show up. It is better to be overdressed and need to scale back than to be underdressed and try to recapture the first impression. Dress for the job you want and be in step with the industry. A tech company may have a different atmosphere than a fortune 500 organization. Dig around and see what you can find out.
Second, dig deep and learn all you can about a prospective company. Google is your best friend. What do they stand for? What do their current and previous employees say about them? What are their goals, and do they align with what you want to do? An interview isn’t just one way. You need to ask questions and figure out if what they expect and require is what you want to do. Make sure you walk into interviews with open eyes. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions you need to make an informed decision. There is no excuse to not know what you are walking into.
After today’s episode, you may want to stay at a Marriott. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Every business, no matter the industry, can benefit from having a purpose statement. People need to know what you want them to do and how their role fits into the overall purpose. Often, it can be complicated. Sometimes, that overarching goal hasn't been clearly defined, in a way that everyone understands. That is where a purpose statement comes in handy.
When you are developing a purpose statement, make it simple. So simple, anyone can understand it. When you have a clear statement of what you want people to do, and you train people on how to do it, you are that much closer to producing the best experience for your customer.
How do you develop a purpose statement? First, sit down and talk about it. Get with team members from every area and ask them. What is the one thing they want as employees? What is the one thing that your customers want? Once you have that clear, you can create a simple, repeatable statement. Keep the statement in front of your team and train them with that end goal in mind. No matter the task or job, it all comes back to the same purpose.
If you have a vacation coming up, give Magical Vacation Planners a call. Let them know what you want to do, then sit back and let them take care of everything. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you have been around for a while, you may be familiar with our Main Street Leader Newsletter. This topic is one I have mentioned in the Main Street Leader before, and it is a simple concept with a great return. The pre-shift meeting is a tool that can be a difference-maker for your company and team.
When we get ready to embark on the day, we need to ensure we connect and get on the same page. Once shift starts and customers arrive, it will be too chaotic to ensure everyone has the game plan. These pre-shift connect points are short and equip our team to be the expert for what they will be doing over the next few hours. If you are in the restaurant business, it might be covering the specials or what is not available. If you're in retail, it might be discussing promos and making the team aware of any pertinent information.
These pre-shift meetings are perfect for providing information, inspiration and equipping the team for what is coming. To ensure the time is valuable and that you utilize it fully, make an agenda. Determine the headings you want to cover and jot down the notes. Give your team a chance to ask questions and add value as well. The key is being prepared and finding out what works for your team.
If you would like to learn more about the Mainstreet Leader, you can find out more at The Cockerell Academy. It is included in the Cockerell Academy or as a standalone subscription.
If you want to show up as an expert to your next trip, a pre-vacation meeting with Magical Vacation Planners can really help. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today, we have another question from a faithful listener, Tanner Brock. Tanner requested advice on becoming more comfortable and confident in your professional background. Especially in situations where business partners or fellow team members have a longer tenure in the workforce.
It is part of the game and part of learning business. We all start out being intimidated by others having experience. It takes time to get smarter; to learn new things. Pushing yourself to expand your understanding will help you grow and learn. With time, you won't be intimidated, because you have gained experiences of your own. Wisdom comes with age, education, experience, and exposure.
If you want to get past intimidation, you need to get outside of your immediate sphere. Meet people and put yourself in situations where you can learn willingly. Spend time around your customers and employees. You have to work at it. Be intentional about seeking out understanding; you don’t just get to absorb it.
Rather than being intimidated by the experience of others, use it as an opportunity to ask questions and learn. Make it a goal. Never stop learning. Ask questions every day. This will help you gain experience and confidence; it will keep you from becoming prideful and resting on your laurels, as you gain the experience you desire.
If you want a fun way to gain exposure and experience, take a vacation. Magical Vacation Planners can help you get everything you want out of your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Have an excellent career by learning from Lee: Career Magic
Lee’s website: https://www.leecockerell.com/
In the book, The Goal by Ellyahu Goldratt, business is boiled down to one goal. If you are in business, the goal is to make money. Business owners use this end to justify the means, especially how you treat people, especially employees and customers.
If you treat people right, you will make money. Modern business tells us to look at the bottom line. If you devalue the customer, who is going to contribute to that bottom line? There is no upside or reason to mistreat people if you want them to pay you.
You can still have the end goal of making money. You need to do it in a way that creates a sustainable model. Be approachable and nice. Treat people like you want people to treat your grandmother, mother, or daughter. When you find yourself in a situation, predetermine how you will behave. The potential for negative interactions comes every day. You must be intentional and program your brain to react in a kind and patient way.
Make sure what you are doing is in line with what you are working for. Don’t lie. Work with integrity. What you try to hide will eventually come out. Giving in to negative emotions can come back up years in the future. When we treat people with kindness and as valuable, we create a model that will scale and provide income for years to come.
Nice weather is quickly approaching. If you are considering touring the states this year and hitting up national parks, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today we are answering an anonymous listener question. Our listener asks: “What is your take on personal and family considering and advice on making a transition overseas?”
Thinking about relocating for work? You live in the right era for it. Approach it like you would if you were moving domestically. The first thing you should do is get on the internet and do your research. Make a list of potential impacts to your family, like schools, cost of living, taxes, housing, spousal employment, etc. Identify what it will take to make your family happy and then compare what is available to you where you want to move. Will your family be happy there? If the answer is yes, examine some of the other benefits.
Exposing your family, especially your children, to other experiences and locations will prepare them for life. It instills confidence and provides varied life experiences that will help them engage their world.
If you get the chance to work internationally, I recommend grabbing it. If you can, take a small trip before committing. Past barriers, such as language, are quickly becoming less impactful. Many countries' inhabitants speak English, and you can learn the local language as you go.
When you live and work abroad, you will grow and learn how much you are capable of, adjusting when impact does come. You will gain confidence through the jump. There is often the additional perk of being able to travel more broadly when you live outside of the US.If you are looking to travel, even within the United States, I highly recommend contacting Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Every industry feels the impact of turnover and instability in staffing due to the current pandemic. Every industry’s customer service is also suffering. Constant staffing changes mean employees often lack training or the development needed to go above and beyond to serve. It also means that anyone can rise to the top right now by offering outstanding service.
It is the perfect time for people who want to show up and be great. There is a hole in service that needs to be filled; that means you can shine by showing up and providing service at a higher level. When you help people and take care of them, it will distinguish you. People can go anywhere for products. How they are treated keeps them coming to you; as a leader or an employee.
Often, people are getting put into the thick of it with inadequate training, and they don’t know what they don’t know. If you have something to offer your team, do it. Help those around you to succeed, and you will rise as a result.
If you are a leader, think outside of the box. You can repurpose existing training to help your team, especially in the soft skills department. We have a lot of great resources at the Cockerell Academy. Filling the holes in training and service will help you stand out when everyone around you is providing subpar experiences.
One company that is never lacking in great service is Magical Vacation Planner. Not only do they offer great service, but they can help navigate some of the most difficult industries for your next trip, so you can eliminate some of the potentials for poor service. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today we are answering a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks: How do you balance the need to take care of employees with the very real challenge a business is facing?
First, you as a leader need to define what ‘taking care of’ means for you. I think you can start with caring for your team emotionally. Let them know they matter. When you are faced with the type of decision that puts the team against the company, bring them into the discussion. Ask their opinion on the decisions that impact them, like needing to cut costs. Communicate your desire to take care of them and always be honest around uncertainty. When people know you care about them, and you deal with them truthfully, people are understanding.
It isn’t always an easy solution, and you have to make the best choice you can. At the end of the day, you are responsible. Tell people what they are going to be thinking anyway and help them understand the reasoning for decisions. Be willing to take the heat when necessary and deal with people personally. Avoiding a problem will never solve it. Hopefully, you prioritize people, but at the end of the day, the choice is yours to make.
If you need some help making better decisions, make sure you check our Better Decisions course in the Cockerell Academy.
One decision that is easy to make is utilizing Magical Vacation Planner for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.