Today, Jody and I are at the California Grill with Jamie and JJ Eubanks, the founders of Magical Vacation Planners.
We discussed relationships, leadership, and management during our time together, specifically how it has shifted during the past few years. As leaders, there are a lot of things to focus on. You can’t control others; you can only give them the tools needed. It is up to them what they do with them. You can manage your stress. If there is anything 2020 showed us, it is how to slow down, and take lemons and make lemonade.
As a leader, priorities are paramount. It isn’t enough to focus on the bottom line. You need to focus on people. When trying times hit, make sure they are ok. Do what you can to take care of each other. You take care of your team. They take care of the clients. It is a trickle-down effect.
Every crisis changes everything. Take the time to prepare your team. Turn setbacks into opportunities to learn and grow. Leaders help others get through things. You are a teacher and a student. Every day. Teach what you know and learn what you don’t. Every bit of knowledge pays off later. Don’t be afraid to do things differently. They may not all work, but at least you weren’t afraid to try.
If you want to try out a new vacation location, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Today, Jody and I are answering some questions we received at a recent event hosted by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.
One question we received was how educators enhance or improve their hospitality curriculum. Embrace that hospitality touches every industry. It is about how we treat people. Encourage students to pursue a base degree in hospitality and utilize their master's degree specializing in a specific industry.
Another question we received focused on Disney and how they value education and experience. Disney cares if you can do the job, not about the degree you hold. They want to know what you can do for them. Performance is key. After that, you must stay relevant in your area of specialty. Keep up to date on industry trends and current standards. This goes much further than a degree.
Next, what is the best advice on what educators can do to help their students land a good starting position out of college? Make sure they understand the importance of attitude, continuing education, and reliability and that soft skills are what people need to focus on.
Lastly, what changes brought on by the pandemic are here to stay? Attitude. People know what it is like to go through a crisis; they aren’t willing to settle for being mistreated by a company. They have learned they can do other things with their skills. Companies need to realize people stay loyal when they know you care.
If you want to work with a company that cares when it comes to travel, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Today, Jody and I are recording live in my home office. We just finished recording our newest course for the Cockerell Academy and want to share some thoughts about the topic: Performance Excellence.
Simply put, performance excellence is implementing an environment and system that ensures the guest experience is amazing; which begins long before a guest arrives. It isn’t complicated. It is intentional. It starts with hiring the right people and equipping them. When you have the right people, you can focus on training beyond the necessary hard skills. Train and equip to understand how to be a team and support one another. Cultivate an environment where they know they are valued and cared for.
You can simplify the plan for achieving performance excellence to the following action points:
Hire the right people, train them, and treat them right. This is how you develop a different culture and get different results. Don’t get bored with the basics. Treat people right, train them, give them a future, and value them. The natural response is a team that values its role in providing an excellent experience for your customers.
If you are planning a trip and want to work with an excellent company, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan it for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Today, Donald Miller joins Jody and me and takes us through how you can grow your small business by following a simple framework.
65% of small businesses fail within the first 10 years. Often, this failure is due to a lack of systems, processes, and focus. By working within a proven framework, you are empowered to make the correct decisions and set a solid course.
In Donald’s new book, he covers the six pieces you need for a tried-and-true framework.
If you have a handle on these six areas and create the needed systems, processes, and checklists to facilitate them, you can scale your business and watch it succeed. It is systems and processes that are proven, repeatable, and dependable that keep the ship running no matter who is present or what they are doing. Establishing a clear plan and executing it will take your business to the next level.
If you are planning a trip to Disney, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan it for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
How to Grow Your Small Business by Donald Miller
Small Business Flight Plan
Business Made Simple University
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy