“Find a mentor that will be honest with you. That's how you're going to learn the most."
Notable Moments
00:32 Expert advice differs distinctly from organic mentorship.
01:10 Choosing the right mentor
04:43 Knowing what to ask a mentor
08:30 Ways to build and utilize a mentor relationship
12:43.How to approach a potential mentor
If you're looking for a mentor or some solid advice, take the leap and ask. When I joined Marriott and later Disney, I didn't have mentors handed to me on a silver platter. I reached out, asked questions. Sought advice.
Do you know what I heard back?
Not now. Too busy. Maybe later. Not interested. Work harder.
It feels frustrating getting halfhearted or no responses. It didn't stop me though. You can read my blog for more about what I did next.
Resources
Travel Guidance
Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
"Create trust in the organization. Let people know that you don't know everything, you don't plan to know everything, and you're there to help them get what they need from the organization when they need it."
Notable Moments
00:57 A leader's role is to support, understand, and guide
03:56 Create a culture of trust for open communication and support
09:34 Avoid anxiety by trusting the competent people you hire
11:41 Understand your business by istening to employees and customers
Should a Leader Know Everything Their Team Does
As a leader, it’s okay not to know everything your team does. When I was promoted to oversee operations at Walt Disney World, I didn't fully understand the intricate details of every department. Imagine being responsible for managing a place as large as a city with over 50,000 cast members. There were times I felt totally out of control. But you know what I learned?
You don’t have to know everything.
Read more about this episode here in my blog.
Resources
Travel Guidance
Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
"Magic's when you do such a good job, nobody can figure out how you do it."
Notable Moments
01:27 Experience and education provide solutions to problems.
05:46 Becoming the Go-To Expert in Your Field
07:04 The Importance of Keeping Up With Advancements
12:03 Consistent Quality and Communication
13:41 The Power of Excellence
15:12 Importance of Industry Expertise
If you’re aiming to be an expert in your field, keep feeding your brain and stay persistent. 25 years ago, I was terrified to speak even if it were for just 2 minutes. Fast forward, and I’ve given presentations ranging from 90 minutes to 4 hours without any notes. How did I get there? By focusing on things I’m passionate about and continually learning.
Read more in the blog found here.
Resources
Travel Guidance
Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
"Don't depend on your company to prepare you for the future. Invest in yourself; read, learn, and grow daily. Your future self will thank you."
Notable Moments
01:56 Identifying Future Leaders in Organizations
03:14 The Value of Developing Employees
07:21 Taking Ownership of Your Time and Learning
09:44 Improving Employee Commitment Through Development
Resources
Magical Vacation Planners 407-442-2694
Spreading leadership training across all levels can be beneficial for organizations. Long-time listener, Eric, recently asked if leadership training should be exclusive to those already in leadership positions. This is always an interesting question because my experience has show that it's essential for everyone to grow and excel, both personally and professionally.
Notable takeaways
Leadership Training Enhances Commitment: Training employees, even those not in designated leadership roles, fosters a sense of appreciation and commitment. When workers feel invested in, they're more likely to exhibit improved productivity and loyalty.
Self-Learning is Crucial: Don't rely solely on your company for personal development. Take ownership of your growth by seeking knowledge through books, podcasts, courses, and seminars. Proactively engaging in self-learning prepares you better for future opportunities and challenges.
Small Steps Lead to Big Gains: Integrate learning into your daily routine. Whether it's reading a book during breaks, listening to a podcast episode, or engaging in online courses, these small, consistent efforts accumulate over time, significantly boosting your knowledge and skills.
Don’t wait for your company to invest in you—take charge of your own development. Dive into books, online courses, and podcasts like ours. Remember, self-improvement is your responsibility, and your future is in your hands.
Take a listen to episode 517, Should Everyone Be Trained as a Leader. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring one, or somewhere in between, this episode promises to offer great insights.
"Creating Magic" continues to be a vital resource for aspiring leaders and managers. It's even used as a textbook in colleges across the country! If you haven't yet, grab your copy at CockerellStore.com and start your journey to creating your own magic.
"The Frontline Rules," is a course in the Cockerell Academy designed to elevate frontline staff performance. If you're looking for something else, there are many courses designed for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming volume of The Main Street Leader, where I share more about lessons from throughout my career journey. The newsletter offers tips on how to train for the leadership role you are in or the want.
Ready to take a trip? Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They are always training their team so they are ready to lead you through the ins and outs of your vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.