"Anybody that feels loved, appreciated, does better work. They have a better life. They are happier."
Recently I received a listener question about how to encourage technical teams, such as engineers, to develop soft skills. Soft skills, like empathy and discipline, are crucial to deal with the challenges presented in any industry. Something to always remember is that success cannot be accomplished without people. One way to support your technical teams is by investing in ongoing training and education, including about soft skills. They are also essential to building a positive workplace. Creating a positive culture and environment that values people leads to better work outcomes and greater employee satisfaction.
In this episode, we discuss:
the role of soft skills in boosting the success of technical teams.
the impact of respectful treatment in professional environments.
incorporating soft skills training for technical professionals.
the benefits of fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition.
the significance of empathy and discipline in personal and professional relationships.
Leaders should always be focused on ways to create a culture of appreciation, recognition, and encouragement. Get everyone on the same page with the importance of soft skills and how it relates to their work. These conversations should always happen when you are hiring, training, and coaching employees. Make sure to share this episode with technical team leaders. It's a great way for them to learn how soft skills training can enhance team performance and create a healthy work environment where employees can thrive.
If the technicalities of travel are too overwhelming then make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They do a great job helping plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:01:55 - Importance of Soft Skills
00:06:06 - Technical People and Soft Skills
00:09:31 - Importance of People
00:12:33 - Encouraging Soft Skills
00:14:08 - Managing Projects and People
00:15:25 - Soft Skills in Technical Teams
00:15:45 - Mastering Leadership
00:16:13 - Cockerell Academy
"People want to know they matter"
During this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Jody and I answer a listener question about employee development. Investing in employee development leads to higher retention rate and boosts productivity. Many managers and business leaders make the mistake of overlooking employee development as an essential factor in their success. Want to know the secret to higher productivity, less sick days, and a good attitude? Offer development opportunities and treat your team members right.
In this episode, you will:
When employees don't get the chance to grow or advance they can become stagnant, uninterested and eventually leave. Avoid disengaged employees by creating a positive company culture. One way to do that is by investing in your people. Another is by paying attention to them to develop trusting relationships. Any time you prioritize the development of your people, your business will reap the benefits of a loyal and engaged workforce.
One team that is very invested in the growth of their team is Magical Vacation Planners. Make sure you reach out to them for help planning your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
"The more you know, the better decisions you make about people."
When I think back to my time at Disney and working in the hospitality industry, I remember that managing multi-generational teams can be challenging. It is also one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. I learned a lot about how to manage employees of different generations through an individualized communication strategy. A fast way to model and develop an inclusive work culture is by being receptive to various employee needs and respecting their differences.
As a leader you need to be listening to all voices, including those of immigrants, single moms, and younger employees. By understanding individual needs and preferences, leaders can develop an approach tailored to each employee. Over the years I had a number of scenarios where accommodating individual needs led to employee loyalty and successful product launches.
Do not shy away from young people that are speaking up and voicing their opinions. It's critical for parents to teach their children to speak out when they have a problem. As a leader, empower young professionals to contribute their innovative ideas and insights for organizational success.
During this conversation I shared many more insights into how working with multiple generations can be incredibly impactful on your leadership, customer service, and running a thriving business. After you listen, use the advice, and go create magic for others.
If you’re looking for someone to create magic for you, 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
00:00:08 - Multigenerational Workforce
00:05:41 - Importance of Individualized Approach
00:09:31 - Younger Generations
00:11:30 - Learning from Constituents
00:12:49 - Listening and Acting
00:13:19 - Encouraging Young People to Speak Up
00:13:40 - Empowering Girls to Speak Up
00:14:03 - Listening to Others to Avoid Trouble
"Your responsibility is not to sit in the office, but to be out in the operation."
There are a few things I learned throughout my career about effectively train a new leader. It starts by hiring the right people and setting clear expectations. Clear expectations includes making sure the new leader's personal appearance is up to standard and they understand the importance of being visible and present in the operation. Never minimize the role of management in making sure employees reach their full potential.
It is essential to start with training on empathy and discipline. That lays a good foundation for building other aspects of leadership. A manager's responsibility is to make other people better. They do what they need to so that guests and team members leave with positive experiences. They know that it can be done well when employees learn to embrace the company's culture.
Leaders must remain disciplined and set the example. People watch what leaders do, so model what it means to uphold high standards and represent the company positively. If management is done right, then employees are happier and the company succeeds. This episode provides even more tips on how to improve leadership skills for managers.
As I always say, hire the right people, train them well, and treat them right.
An example of one company that does a great job hiring, training, and treating their people right is Magical Vacation Planner. Make sure to check them out and use them for help planning your next vacation. Call them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:02:26 - Training New Leaders
00:06:04 - Responsibility vs. Title
00:09:08 - The Power of Working for Disney
00:10:56 - Responsibility as a New Leader
00:13:25 - The Importance of Personal and Professional Performance
00:14:43 - Leading with Empathy and Discipline
00:15:09 - Long-Term Payoff of Hard Work
00:16:15 - Starting with Reputation
00:17:10 - Cockerel Academy and Contact Information
"You're not a product of your circumstances. You're a product of your decisions."
Through my experience as a leader, I have learned that time management and prioritization are key to success. In this episode, I shared my insights on how to achieve better time management and make better decisions.
There are a few things great leaders do in order to make sure they don't stray into unnecessary tasks. The first is that they have a strong understanding of what is important. They make sure they are focusing on completing those tasks, and delegating tasks to great people. It's also important to take care of the basics before moving on to bigger tasks.
During this episode I suggest some practical tips such as starting with small tasks with big returns, taking walks for health and taking courses to improve time management. These steps can help professionals to improve their time management and decision-making skills, ultimately leading to success.
Other ways to focus on what is important now:
Balancing going above and beyond with daily job requirements is a matter of prioritizing what's important. Listen to this episode for valuable insights on time management and decision-making.
Resources
Episode Highlights
00:01:22 - Time Management
00:04:27 - Commitment and Responsibility
00:07:14 - Basics and Extra Inch
00:10:36 - Cockerell Academy and The Main Street Leader
Today, Jody and I evaluate the answer to a recent webinar question. Haden asked, “How do you see technology being integrated with customer service to deliver improvement?”
I will be the first to admit that I have not always been a fan of technology in a customer service environment. First and foremost, it should not be used as a copout for delivering subpar service. That being said, there is a time and a place for it. The key is to use it to serve the customer, not just your interests.
Think through how it can be used to serve your customer. Then ask some critical questions. Does the customer like it? Does it make sense? Does it limit your ability to exceed expectations? Whenever you implement anything new, you need to evaluate a few things. How will the customer respond? How will the employees deal with it? What will it do to the bottom line?
If it checks the boxes and looks like it will enhance the experience, go for it. Do your best to think through and anticipate the impact it will make.
If you want to take a vacation and work with a team that puts your needs first, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today, Jody and I unpack a question that Jody came up with while looking at our soon-to-be-released Performance Excellence Course in the Cockerell Academy. How do you exceed guest expectations?
This is a question that any company will benefit by asking themselves. And the answer is simple. Get feedback regularly from your guests. Over time, expectations will become clear. The things that guests value will rise to the surface through compliments and complaints. As a company, you must prioritize the most important things first. Take the feedback on what needs to be improved. Enlist your team to work on them by identifying what needs to happen to improve.
Have the nerve to ask the question, and be willing to receive the answer. Be sincere. Watch for trends. Over time, keep chipping away at the issues that come to the forefront. It is getting easier to exceed expectations because so many companies fail to simply meet expectations. Be on top of things. Repeat business is the name of the game. Keeping your guests happy is simply common sense.
Beyond doing surveys, there are some simple ways you can get inside your customer’s head. Monitor social media. It is free market research. People have no problem expressing how companies fail to meet expectations. Be quick, adjust and get back to them. Have your employees keep logs of any complaints received. Be curious. The more you know, the better service you can provide.
If you want to travel with a company that embodies excellence, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today, Jody and I tackle a listener question that hits close to home. “How do you lead after your leader has been replaced and you were passed over for the role?”
I experienced this exact scenario personally. Momentary disappointment can be the best thing to happen. It can be an opportunity to learn and grow in your current role. If you can be patient and make incremental improvements, you will work yourself into a promotion.
Don’t get too upset over the little things in your career. Maintain your reputation for being responsible and dependable. It is tempting to show your disappointment, but don’t do it. You are playing the long game.
People are watching how you handle the disappointment. Whether you like it or not, people will talk about you and how you handle things. You never know the conversations that are taking place around situations.
If someone gets promoted into a leadership role over you, handle it maturely. Communicate support and be the biggest supporter your new leader has ever had. Everything you say, good or bad, will get back to them. Be professional. Focus on the work, not your disappointment. Disappointment is temporary; invest in your future by staying strong and growing where you are.
If you want to travel, but don’t have the time to invest in making all the arrangements, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today, Jody and I recap our most recent Creating Magic Mastermind hosted at the Element Hotel Sky Lounge at Icon Park in Orlando Florida. So far, this was our best mastermind event to date.
We were honored to have Karl Holz as our guest speaker. Karl and I go way back. Not only has he held many prestigious roles at Disney, I hired him, and it was the best hire I ever made.
One of the big takeaways from Karl's sharing was the importance of never letting your team see you depressed. It may be unrelated to work, but people are watching you, and how you carry yourself communicates security to them. If you do something, be the best you can be at it.
Don’t be afraid to hold out for the right hire. Karl was the 14th person interviewed for his position at Disney, and it was worth the wait.
Another takeaway that became evident from the mastermind is that you never know when the light will come on for someone. You share and put yourself out there, and you never know what interaction or message will be the one to make it click for someone else. Continually learning is key to improvement. Invest in yourself and others. Read, listen to podcasts, and get around the right people. You separate yourself through how you carry yourself and work with others. Maintaining a professional manner and persona will help make room for promotion and advancement.
Every mastermind is wonderful. It is amazing how problems and situations get worked out once you have a room full of varied experiences and differing perspectives. This event was no exception.
If you want to travel, but don’t want to deal with any of the drama or issues that may arise, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today, Jody and I answer a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks, “When gauging employee satisfaction, is it better to focus on the positives or negatives? Do you look at what’s going right or what’s not going right?”
The answer goes beyond what is right or wrong. Get to know your team, and build trust so they will answer honestly either way. You want them to communicate without fear and feel like they can tell you anything. An employee should never have to think about if they should or shouldn’t say something to their boss. Your team doesn’t work for you, they work with you. When everyone is in their spot, the team can function reliably with everyone doing their part. Once you get to this place, people feel secure and look forward to working with you.
Where there is no trust, people withhold information. You are paying people for their opinion and expertise. Cultivate an environment where they can give you what you need. Don’t be afraid to rethink the basics. Be careful and don’t start to view yourself as a big deal. The minute you want to be important, your results are diminished immediately.
If you want to create this type of environment, do it by building comfort and security. Set clear expectations. Invite feedback. Spend time with your team. Let them know what is in it for them and what you need from them to get them there. Openness is the name of the game if you want to have trust.
If you want to work with a team you can trust for satisfaction, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today, Jody and I discuss a topic made famous by Warren Buffett. What does it mean to invest in yourself?
People often associate investing in yourself with spending money. Enrolling in college. Taking lessons. Investing financially in a specialist or a coach. All of these are a type of investment. But you can invest in yourself every day without spending a dime.
Personally, I consider anything you do to make sure you know more today than you did yesterday as an investment in yourself. An easy option is reading every day or listening to podcasts. Meeting people you admire for coffee or auditing a class at the local university. These are free options that have huge dividends in your life when you apply them. Exposing yourself to the world around you and getting out of your comfort zone is another way to make a self-investment.
Looking back over my life, learning how to be a public speaker and taking care of myself physically have been the two best investments I’ve made. You can help yourself and others by always seeking to learn more. Don’t be afraid to take a risk and invest in yourself today.
If you are ready to make an investment in yourself through travel, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
"Build the relationship before you need it."
In this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Jody and I discuss the significance of tackling problems promptly. It’s the best way to reduce stress and improve relationships. Recognizing mistakes and apologizing immediately helps you manage your emotions and build trust with others.
There is a difference between stress and distress. Distress causes issues due to a lack of control in situations. Make sure you take control and responsibility for your actions. That way you can set a positive example and promote mutual respect. It’s the best way to foster better relationships in your personal and professional life.
Other ways to get ahead of the problem:
I know I get tired of being told the same ineffective solutions for reducing stress and improving relationships. If you want results it is important to discover new approaches. Jody and I know one of the best tools that will make a lasting impact is the Main Street Leader. Make sure to sign up to receive the newsletter so you don’t miss out on more tips like what we share in this episode.
And if you are looking to relax as a way to improve relationships, then make sure to call Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694. .
"You can be right or you can have a relationship."
Episode Highlights:
00:00:08 - Introduction, Lee Cockerell and Jody Mayberry introduce the podcast and discuss Lee's current
00:03:05 – manage your emotions and getting ahead of problems by apologizing quickly when you make a mistake. Build trust and relationships by taking responsibility for your actions.
00:07:19 – stress can help us grow, but distress, when we feel like we don't have control over a situation, can be harmful. Deal with problems quickly to avoid distress and maintain your mental health.
00:09:32 – sometimes it's worth having a relationship over being right. Apologizing and taking responsibility, even if you're right, can help maintain relationships and build trust.
00:13:16 - The Main Street Leader newsletter has been released in Portuguese and Spanish, in addition to English. The newsletter is designed to be implemented, and readers can learn from it to improve their business practices. It is available for less than $10 per month and offers a money-back guarantee.
00:15:53 - readers have reached out saying that implementing one lesson from The Main Street Leader has made a significant impact on their business practices.
Resources
Today, Jody and I are unpacking how to ensure the training your team gets is effective and creates long-term change.
Training is essential to most businesses. But if nobody does anything after you train them, you didn’t train them. Whether you are an employee or a manager, it boils down to being disciplined and accountable to applying what you learn.
Most people don’t have a problem knowing what to do. They have a problem with doing it. Training needs to be implemented. Do the things that will make sure you don’t have issues down the road. Create systems to help you accomplish what is necessary. If you are an employee, take notes, be intentional, and create systems to help you apply what you learn. If you are a manager, hold your team accountable and create an infrastructure that supports the application.
Any problem you have in your life, you can go and learn how to do better. Use the people around you and the systems you have in place to push yourself. The choices you make create the life you have.
If you are looking to take a trip, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Today, Jody and I are answering a few questions about working with a disengaged employee that we didn't get to on a recent webinar.
If you have an employee who is disengaged, you need to assess the situation. Determine if there has been a change, or is this how they have always been? If someone has changed, than something has changed, and it is your job as the manager to identify it and help them find the solution. If you notice an employee has disengaged, or their performance is slacking, sit down with them. Communicate your concern and remind them of what the expectation is. Help them see what they need to do to get back to the expected performance level. Give them specific examples and your specific expectations.
If there is an employee you hired and they have disengaged from the start, you need to reset expectations clearly and communicate that there is a high standard. Own where you have been a part of the problem or where clarity may have been lacking. From there, you can communicate the desired direction.
If you inherit a disengaged employee, check in with your predecessor when possible. Get the lay of the land. Again, be clear about expectations and direction. Make sure they know their part and the expected changes. Then hold them to it and coach them through it.
Keep at it, and be on the lookout. Be the role model that walks around, that is informed and trustworthy.
Magical Vacation Planners does everything with excellence and efficiency. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
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
Today, Jody and I explore how changing job titles can clarify expectations.
Many organizations need to think about reevaluating their job titles. A title needs to be a clear indicator of an individuals role. They must be associated with what they do and where they spend their time. Your title should tell you where to be and what you need to focus on.
Rethink what your team is focusing on. This can help address customer frustration as well. Clear communication of expectations helps your customer know who to reach out to or interact with when frustration is present.
Make sure you have the power to back the promise you are making, even with titles. You are setting expectations, and you need to make sure your team is living up to them. A title sets expectations for employees and guests. Help your team understand the "how" so they meet those expectations.
Once you know why you want to do it, get everyone in the room. Everyone must be on the same page and have a clear picture of where you all are headed. Communicate expectations and figure out ways for them to get it all done. Customer service is the "name of the game" and needs to be emphasized. Have systems and procedures to help your team facilitate the expectations. It will create buy-in and a better overall experience for all.
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.
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Today, Jody and I examine how you can get your team moving in the same direction.
I recently did a workshop for the City of Miami Gardens. It was a wonderful experience. It demonstrated the importance of education and exposure when forming opinions. It is a good investment if an organization can afford a workshop or multi-day training. When a team goes through shared lessons, it helps to get everyone going in the same direction.
Even if you can’t afford live training, there are many free resources that will foster the same experience and outcomes. There are many resources you can use to train and develop your team that won't cost you anything. Podcasts or books that you experience together. Take the time to do this with your team and get them to focus on the same things. Take in the content and then discuss it. Determine how it applies to your company or department.
There is a way to make a difference. Don’t just listen or read for entertainment. Put it into action; this is how you build a common foundation. You reach individuals, and everyone works on getting a little better every day. This is how you will gain momentum. It is the first step toward changing a culture.
If you have a trip you want to take and want it organized with excellence, 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, Jody, Cassie Tucker and I tackle how you can offer help in the right way.
People regularly reach out to me, looking to connect. Networking is important, but there can be a lot of noise. If you want to stand out, you must offer to help in the right way. When you reach out, be specific about how you can serve. Can you save them time? Money? Help them increase their reach and build reputation? Tell them how you can enhance their business.
Just like with a podcast, make sure you have a clear headline so people know what you can do and will do.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. The worse thing that can happen is someone says no. Speak up. Don’t be bashful. Let your contact know what you can do for them. Let them know the authority and experience you bring and how you can use it to serve their business. Don’t create more work for the people you want to work alongside. Be specific on what you do and how you do it.
If you want to know how a vacation planner can help you specifically, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Connect with Lee
Mainstreet Leader
Cockerell Academy
Today, Jody and I discuss why you need to handle difficult situations quickly.
No one likes dealing with difficult situations. However, the speed that we employ handling them is crucial. The longer these issues are left unchecked, the bigger they become. If you don’t deal with them right away, you are running the risk of them escalating into a crisis. We need to learn to do the urgent things urgently. Put a fire out right away, do not let it grow and cause more damage.
If you have hard things to do, do them. Don’t ignore them. Often, it is a matter of changing how we think about these hard things. You don’t have to do it alone. You can get someone to help you walk through it and figure it out.
If you have an employee and you notice a negative trend developing, address it right away. If you don’t deal with it, people may think it is ok. How you respond to the little things, like being late, tells people what the policy is more than what is in the manual. Deal with it quickly, it gets fixed and isn’t a big deal.
Your team won’t know what you are doing for them if you don’t tell them. Let them know what you do for them. This is how you market internally and help your team see and form expectations and understanding.
Get credit for the best vacation ever without having to do anything. Contact Magical Vacation Planners and let them plan your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today, Jody and I look at how you can focus your strategy and be efficient year-round.
People tend to treat January or the first of the year as a time to overhaul their strategy, but this isn’t the best approach. Strategy is overused. Every day you need to focus on specific parts of your business: great staff, great processes, and great products. As leaders, your need to work on getting better every day. It doesn’t have to be a huge strategy meeting. Be intentional about approaching individualized areas where you have the opportunity to improve.
Knowledge helps you make better decisions. Look at what is around you. What does your client need? What does your competitor offer? Asking these questions regularly will help you take measurable steps toward improvement. Do this every day. Help your team be knowledgeable and equip them to do what needs to be done to provide the best service possible. Take care of your customers and turn them into marketing machines who happily tell the story of how your company takes care of them.
Don’t worry about January. Be consistent and continue working on what your clients need and how you can meet that need and produce more.
One strategy you need to take advantage of is Magical Vacation Planners. Give them a call and let them plan your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Connect with Lee
Today, Jody and I unpack the importance of understanding the expectations your supervisor has of you.
Managers need to be clear on their expectations. If your manager isn’t clear, it is your job to clarify and make sure you understand. Ask questions to get the clarity you need.
As an employee, how do you handle an unclear leader? Ask. Don’t be embarrassed or afraid of looking bad. Ask questions and make sure you understand. Asking questions will help you learn to do things properly. You only learn by asking questions and clarifying expectations.
A good working relationship will create space for employees to feel comfortable asking questions. If you want people to be successful, you need a rule or playbook for your team to follow. People need to understand what needs to happen and what their part is in that need.
Managers must follow up. Check in intermittently to see if they have come up with something they don’t understand. Anything there is a misunderstanding, add it to a list so you know what needs to be clarified. Utilize resources, like photos, to make sure people understand and have a clear idea of what is expected.
Magical Vacation Planners are the team you want for planning your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
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Today, Jody and I discuss the impact being nice has on your career.
The concept of being nice is something we learn very early in life. What happens when you are nice? People like you. What happens when you are not kind? People don’t like working with you. More and more, if people don’t care for you, they gang up on you. It can be challenging to respond with kindness when people are rude and unreasonable. You cannot take it personally. The louder they get, the quieter you get. Often, their anger isn’t only about the current situation, but the baggage they brought to it.
Your employees follow your cue. Professionals are there to take care of obstacles. Remain calm when faced with an upset customer. We are in control of our attitude, our response, and how we present ourselves to others. When you are nice, people want to work with you. It is a great way to defuse tense situations.
To move ahead in your career, you must be nice and be able to make hard decisions. You must be nice and get results. If you are nice and you aren’t getting results, you need to figure out why. They aren’t mutually exclusive. Don’t just be a boss, be a teacher. Help your team to get ahead by modeling kindness and reliability to them.
If you want to work with a individuals that are nice and get results, make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners for your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
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