If you don't know where you're going, you're probably not going to get there. - Lee Cockerell
Vision comes from a leader that sees the desired future for an organization. It's crucial for leaders to transfer this vision to employees, so they can visualize it and get excited about it. One of the challenges leaders face is translating their enthusiasm and clear image of the future to their team members.
During our conversation, Jody and I talk about the importance of effectively communicating vision and mission to our teams. Many employees often don't understand or connect with their organization's vision and mission statements. There is a need for leaders to clarify and explain these concepts in relatable ways. That clarity helps employees more clearly visualize the vision and get excited about it.
One great example is the military. Everyone has different roles but shares the same purpose. This purpose keeps them motivated during challenging times and helps them push through. This is an example of why I emphasize the importance of communicating the vision with every employee, including new hires, vendors, and even customers. It's about creating a sense of shared purpose and understanding.
Vision and mission should not be solely focused on financial goals. Instead, they should provide something meaningful and valuable to both the team and the company. It's about creating a sense of purpose and a shared understanding of what the organization is working towards.
Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:01:14 - Jeff Marriage's Success
00:03:13 - Importance of Vision and Mission
00:06:32 - Clarity of Purpose
00:09:39 - Achieving Excellence
00:13:45 - Conrad Hilton's Conservation Vision
00:14:59 - Conrad Hilton's Waldorf Vision
00:15:41 - Meeting the Hilton Family
00:16:50 - Importance of Vision, Mission, and Purpose
"Your child's early development is the most valuable thing you have. Build your life around them and let the other stuff come later." - Lee Cockerell
Having a child is indeed a life-changing occurrence. When my son was born 54 years ago we were young, with no substantial means of income. Despite the financial challenge, we knew we had the most precious gift in our arms. That is why time management is incredibly important when major life events seem to disrupt the balance of work, home, and family.
Expectant couples or new parents who are facing overwhelming changes often struggle with managing their time effectively. Take a moment to prioritize tasks and make sure to keep nurturing other relationships during these challenging times. Both parents need to support each other and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. Utilizing available moments, adjusting routines, and reevaluating priorities will help people fit tasks around the needs of the baby.
The first six years are the most crucial for a child's development. It's when they need you the most. Your morning routine might have to take a backseat, and you might have to catch up on work when the baby takes a nap. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? It's a juggling act; you adjust, you adapt. It's not the easiest, but the most rewarding. The dishes can wait, the unread emails can wait, but the baby - they grow up faster than you can imagine. So, hold them close, give them your time and love, and trust me, everything else will fall into place.
While having a child can seem to be a disruption, make sure to prioritize them. Let everything else take a back seat. At the end of the day, your child's well-being and happiness are what matters the most.
Make sure to share this episode to anyone that may be facing challenges and adjustments that come with major life changes, particularly having a baby. The conversation provides a wealth of advice and practical tips for managing your time effectively and nurturing meaningful relationships amidst the chaos.
If you have a major life change chances are you will need a vacation. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:02:57 - Approaching Priorities During Life Changes
00:09:30 - Time Management During Life Changes
00:07:28 - Early Childhood Development
00:12:26 - Commitment and Support
00:13:54 - Morning Magic Planner
00:14:23 - Importance of Having a Plan
"Your job should be to want to help them find out what the problem is. If they are unhappy, try to figure out why so we can all work on it and you can work on it." - Lee Cockerell
During my days at Hilton, I found myself tangled in a web of union operations and non-performing employees. It was deeply frustrating at times. I found myself constantly questioning how to handle these situations. Then I realized, the solution was simpler than I initially thought - consistency.
I began documenting every single instance of underperformance, putting it into writing, and having it signed as proof. With enough documentation, I was able to convince the union to back off. This wasn't because I wanted to win over them, but because I genuinely wanted these employees to succeed.
Fast-forward to my second stint at Disney, I encountered a similar situation. However, this time, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of focusing solely on their non-performance, I dove deeper into the root causes. I initiated sincere, heart-to-heart discussions with the employees. I discovered that some of them were facing personal problems, while others just weren't happy with their jobs.
This approach not only helped improve their performance but also established a stronger bond between us. It made me realize that sometimes, all it takes is a little understanding and compassion to transform a non-performing employee into a valuable team player.
If you're dealing with a non-performing worker:
Consider having a sincere heart-to-heart discussion with the non-performing employee to understand the root cause of their performance issues and offer support or suggest alternative roles within the organization.
If the performance issues persist and the employee is not receptive to improvement, be prepared to either continue supporting them or terminate their employment.
Remember that as a leader, it is your responsibility to address performance issues and help employees succeed. Approach the situation with sincerity and a desire to find a solution.
If you feel like you need a break in order to clear your mind and be better prepared for the hard conversations then I recommend a vacation. Contact Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-2694 or visit Leecockerel.com and click on the banner to book your next trip.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:03:34 - Listener Question: Dealing with Non-Performing Workers and Union Involvement
00:07:22 - Handling Non-Performers in General
00:08:09 - Addressing Personal Issues
00:11:02 - The Complexity of the Mind
00:14:02 - Building Confidence and Performance
00:14:27 - Taking Responsibility for Employee Performance
00:14:41 - Communicating Expectations
"Teaching is useless unless people are learning. Training needs to be sticky and impactful for it to truly make a difference." - Lee Cockerell
There was a time in my life when I was practically living in hotels and restaurants. A lot of my time was spent observing the activity around me. I quickly recognized the significance of training effectiveness. One thing that has stuck with me was the realization that the implementation of a training is critical but often overlooked.
We can conduct countless training sessions, but if they don't translate into action, what's the point? My perspective on training started to shift when I began to notice how some team members naturally excelled at their roles right after training, while others struggled, often slipping back into old habits. This observation led me to the importance of testing the training - not just immediately after, but as a consistent practice. It reminded me of learning to drive. The instructor can teach you all the rules, but unless you practice and are observed on the road, you won't truly grasp it. The same applies to any profession.
The effectiveness of training lies not just in teaching, but ensuring learning has taken place. There's an adage that says teaching is useless unless learning takes place. This couldn't be more accurate in a professional environment. The effectiveness of any training program lies not just in delivering knowledge but in ensuring that knowledge translates into improved performance.
This is a great episode to listen to if you're feeling like your training programs are not producing the desired results. Many leaders and trainers are struggling to ensure effective training and skill retention among their employees. Despite implementing various actions such as lectures, presentations, and reading materials, they are often met with limited engagement, low information retention, and poor application of skills in real-world scenarios. Take a listen to our conversation on impactful training execution and fostering an environment dedicated to continuous learning.
One business that does a great job of helping their employees implement their training is Magical Vacation Planners. They are well trained and ready to plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:02:56 - Testing What You Trained For
00:08:33 - The Importance of Execution
00:11:23 - Enforcing Training and Continuous Improvement
00:13:22 - The Best Way to Do Things
00:14:03 - Importance of Training
00:14:43 - Knowledge and Disappointments
00:15:28 - The Value of Existing Customers
00:15:47 - Training, Testing, and Enforcing
"Experience changes you, and hopefully for the better." - Lee Cockerell
I remember the uncertainty I felt as a young boy starting my first job. I was 16, behind the wheel of a delivery car for Parks Drugstore. There was an enormous responsibility that also gave me a thrill of independence. I also really wanted to prove myself.
On the first day, my eyes strayed from the road to the address I was supposed to deliver to. Before I knew it, I had crashed the car. The fear of facing my employer was almost paralyzing. But when I did, he was understanding, kind, and supportive. That interaction not only saved my confidence, it built my understanding of how to handle mistakes made by first-time job seekers.
Fast forward to now, where I find myself in a position to guide and mentor young individuals navigating their first jobs. I often recall my initial experiences, the lessons I learned, and the support I received. The three things I emphasize most are often:
If you work with young or newly employees individuals take the time to reassure them that making mistakes is a part of growing. Remember your role in helping them navigate through any hurdles. The pride they feel when they succeed, the lessons they learn, and the experiences they have will shape their personal and professional lives, just as mine did for me.
If you are looking to hiring someone for your next - or first - vacation, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They will handle all the details when it comes to planning a trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:01:11 - History of Glacier National Park
00:02:00 - First-Time Job Seekers
00:07:41 - Additional Training for First-Time Job Seekers
00:10:57 - The Power of the Disney College Program
00:13:39 - The Importance of Getting Experience Elsewhere
00:14:13 - Group Orientation for First-Time Hires
00:15:05 - Advice for Handling Challenges on the Job