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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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Creating Disney Magic
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Now displaying: December, 2023
Dec 26, 2023

“There's not a personal I wouldn't say they appreciate it when they get some positive feedback and encouragement and, Even the people who got a bad attitude, that's how you turn a bad attitude around is over time.”

Episode Highlights

00:43 Importance of appreciation, recognition, and encouragement.

05:14 Offering genuine praise and acknowledgment is important and free, and it benefits everyone.

08:42 Satisfaction comes from making a positive impact.

12:23 Maintaining positive attitude crucial for employee productivity.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

The Secret to What People Really Want

The secret to great leadership and creating a positive work culture is all about "burning the free fuel”. It’s a critical element for effective leadership and management practices. People crave appreciation, recognition, and encouragement. It's the fuel that drives motivation and unleashes productivity. And the best part? It costs absolutely nothing.

Appreciation is more than just saying "thanks." It's about genuinely valuing and respecting the people around us. Everyone craves a little appreciation. Whether it's a co-worker's hard work or a friend's support, taking the time to say "hey, I see you and I'm grateful for you" can have a serious impact on their day.

Hearing your name in the spotlight can be a real game-changer. That is why even a little recognition goes a long way with people. Whether it's a shoutout in a meeting or a one-on-one kudos, recognizing someone's effort can light a fire under them. It's all about growing together, professionally and personally.

Ever felt like a little pep talk changed your entire outlook? That's the magic of encouragement. It  can melt away stress and boost confidence. A solid dose of encouragement goes a long way in driving positivity and progress. Without the fuel of positivity, productivity can tank, and team morale can hit rock bottom. It's a wake-up call to the power of these three simple acts.

Appreciation, recognition, and encouragement are the real deal. They impact everything from team dynamics to personal relationships. Which is why it is so important that we revisit the secret to what people really want. The more we fit them into our lives, the more everyone around us feels truly valued and supported. Embracing the power of appreciation, recognition, and encouragement doesn't just make our lives better – it makes the lives of those around us better too.

Magical Vacation Planners

The next time you want to take a trip make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They know the secret to what people really want on vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Dec 19, 2023

"Our job as a leader or a parent is to keep our people emotionally, psychologically, and physically safe."

Episode Highlights

001:07 Importance of leaders building trust and openness

04:45 Open communication crucial for understanding in relationships.

09:00 Confirming, addressing, and neutralizing disrespectful behavior in the workplace.

12:36 Becoming aware of personal responsibility, taking action.

13:24 Understanding self-improvement, take action, communicate, and address issues in leadership.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

The Peril of Not Keeping in Touch with the Front Line

One of the biggest mistakes I see leaders make is not keeping in touch with the front line. We recently had someone ask what to do when a manager has not been treating staff with respect, causing upheaval within the organization. There are a few ways to address issues like this and regain the trust and respect of the team. But if you want to know what's going on, you have to spend time being out and about with your employees. You have to spend time building comfortable relationships with your team. If you are not staying connected with the front line, it becomes more challenging to handle managerial issues that are impacting the organizational culture.

Despite the convenience of virtual meetings, nothing replaces the power of face-to-face interaction. It's essential for leaders to engage with their teams beyond meetings. More positive interactions foster trust, connection, and the opportunity to address issues before they escalate.

When managerial misconduct is identified, swift and decisive action is necessary. Whether it's holding tough conversations, demoting, or terminating, addressing issues is crucial to safeguard the team and organizational culture.

Leaders must take ownership of their team's well-being. By admitting faults, initiating change, and ensuring a safe and open work environment, leaders can cultivate trust and support within their teams. Transparency and open communication are vital in leadership. There is a lot of power in admitting mistakes when you are wanting to make positive changes.

Make sure to listen to this episode to learn more about ways to stay connected with the front line. This is a great conversation on addressing management issues with transparency and empathy, reinforcing the importance of taking responsibility and driving positive change. Being aware of the dynamics within an organization is what will help you create a culture of trust and respect in the workplace.

If you are ready to interact with some incredible frontline workers, then make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Dec 12, 2023

"Quit having meetings and have conversations."

Episode Highlights

00:00 Teamwork in escape room teaches effective problem-solving.

05:58 Asking for opinions builds team trust.

09:31 Setting deadlines cultivates success in all areas.

12:19 Cockrell Academy for team problem-solving courses.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Leaders can bring their team together to solve problems by asking questions and creating a culture of inclusion and respect. Using the collective expertise of your team helps achieve better solutions. It all starts by creating a supportive and collaborative environment. During this episode we discuss the importance of solving problems with the team.

Never underestimate the value of involving others in problem-solving. It's about leveraging diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise within the team to arrive at the best solutions. The best way to solve problems is by working with others. 

One of the key roles of a leader is to ask a lot of questions. By doing so, leaders show respect for their team members ideas and opinions. Simply by encouraging participation in a conversation, leaders are fostering a culture of inclusiveness and collaboration.

Setting clear deadlines is crucial for focusing the team's efforts on solving problems efficiently. This conversation highlights the importance of instilling a culture of respecting deadlines and the urgency of addressing issues promptly. Make sure to listen to this conversation for practical insights that you can apply in your workplace that will get everyone working together, solving problems as a team.

For leadership and management insights that will help you guide your team to solve problems together, check out the Cockrell Academy. It has courses on performance excellence and frontline rules, tailored to help you and your team thrive. 

Also, avoid any probems booking your next vacation by reaching out to Magical Vacation Planners. If you're taking any trips at the start of next year or planning ahead for summer, give them a call at 407-442-2694. They can help you plan a great vacation

Dec 5, 2023

“Keep some of the trust within the organization by respecting your team enough to tell them before the whole world knows about something.”

Episode Highlights

02:50 Timely communication builds trust.

05:15 Keeping secrets can be detrimental to organizational culture

08:43 structured systems help decide what facts to include and what to omit.

12:12 “Frontline Rules” is coming to Cockerell Academy about operating on the front line.

13:06 Importance of preparation and first impressions.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Planning Organizational Communication

A great way to create a positive culture is by planning organizational communication.  It is so important to have a system for effectively communicating within an organization. This is especially true when it comes to delivering sensitive news or announcements. Throughout my years at Disney and Marriott I have had good and not so great experiences to ensure that information reaches the right people in the right order, while avoiding leaks to the press or public.

When delivering important news it is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan in place. This is true whether it's within a company or even within your family. Identify who needs to know first and in what order the information should be shared to avoid surprises and maintain trust. Then respect the order of communication.

In today's fast-paced world, news can spread like wildfire. Unfortunately, it often spreads with inaccurate information. Time is of the essence when it comes to organizational communication. Act quickly, follow the planned order, and ensure the right people are informed before the news leaks outside of your circle.

The reality is that despite well intended planning, leaks can still occur. If news gets out before you have a chance to address it internally, accept responsibility and apologize sincerely. Highlight that this is not the norm and emphasize the importance of trust and open communication moving forward.

Make sure to listen to this full episode for more on the significance of creating structured systems for communication and how it builds a culture of trust and respect. One organization that does a fantastic job with communication is Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

New Course in Cockerell Academy

There is come exciting news: a new course is being added to the Cockrell Academy—the Frontline Rules. This course is designed specifically for frontline employees. It focuses on the skills and knowledge to excel in the role and make a lasting impression. Learn about the power of first impressions, effective communication techniques, and much more. Keep an eye out for this course, which will be added to the Academy around Christmas time. And, remember, the Frontline Rules course will only be available to members of the Cockrell Academy, so make sure to sign up today at cockrellacademy.com!

 

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