Creating Disney Magic

Today, we have a listener question from Will Walsh. Will has a complex question. In short, he asks, "What do you do when leaders have to tend to legitimate family issues that will keep them out while they prioritize family?" Will specifically asks about those in management who will be missing multiple shifts in a given month. It is not an easy needle to thread. In today's cultural setting, it is i...

Today, we have a listener question from Rich Urich. Rich asks, "Can you talk about the interview process and how to prepare?" Thankfully, we live in a day and age when preparing for an interview is easy. First and foremost, look presentable when you show up. It is better to be overdressed and need to scale back than to be underdressed and try to recapture the first impression. Dress for the job yo...

Every business, no matter the industry, can benefit from having a purpose statement. People need to know what you want them to do and how their role fits into the overall purpose. Often, it can be complicated. Sometimes, that overarching goal hasn't been clearly defined, in a way that everyone understands. That is where a purpose statement comes in handy. When you are developing a purpose statemen...

If you have been around for a while, you may be familiar with our Main Street Leader Newsletter. This topic is one I have mentioned in the Main Street Leader before, and it is a simple concept with a great return. The pre-shift meeting is a tool that can be a difference-maker for your company and team. When we get ready to embark on the day, we need to ensure we connect and get on the same page. O...

Today, we have another question from a faithful listener, Tanner Brock. Tanner requested advice on becoming more comfortable and confident in your professional background. Especially in situations where business partners or fellow team members have a longer tenure in the workforce. It is part of the game and part of learning business. We all start out being intimidated by others having experience....

In the book,  The Goal  by Ellyahu Goldratt, business is boiled down to one goal. If you are in business, the goal is to make money. Business owners use this end to justify the means, especially how you treat people, especially employees and customers.  If you treat people right, you will make money. Modern business tells us to look at the bottom line. If you devalue the customer, who is going to...

Today we are answering an anonymous listener question. Our listener asks: "What is your take on personal and family considering and advice on making a transition overseas?" Thinking about relocating for work? You live in the right era for it. Approach it like you would if you were moving domestically. The first thing you should do is get on the internet and do your research. Make a list of potenti...

Every industry feels the impact of turnover and instability in staffing due to the current pandemic. Every industry's customer service is also suffering. Constant staffing changes mean employees often lack training or the development needed to go above and beyond to serve. It also means that anyone can rise to the top right now by offering outstanding service. It is the perfect time for people who...

Today we are answering a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks: How do you balance the need to take care of employees with the very real challenge a business is facing? First, you as a leader need to define what 'taking care of' means for you. I think you can start with caring for your team emotionally. Let them know they matter. When you are faced with the type of decision that puts the...

Today is one of our rare episodes that Jody and I are in the same room, in person. We just wrapped up the Creating Magic Mastermind. It is amazing what can come out of a concentrated time when people who are passionate and want to grow and learn come together. Two big themes emerged over the mastermind: Strategy and everyone matters, and should know they matter. The strategy doesn't have to be com...

Today we are answering our first listener question of 2022 (full disclosure, we recorded it last month). Eric Reys asks: My daughter just became a manager and has not had any leadership training. Should she look into outside courses and bring them to her boss or do it on her own? I have explained previously that there is a difference between management and leadership. Management is about getting t...

If you feel bored with your own story, bored with life, or feel like your life is a story you are not enjoying right now, you need to hear this episode.  Donald Miller returns to Creating Disney Magic to talk about his new book, Hero on a Mission .  Don shares the three stories he is living with his life. When you are know what story you are living, you know what you won't do. You get more clarity...

Wrapping up one year and moving into the next can get people thinking of things they want to change and improve. I have learned over the years that knowing how to set deadlines is a make-or-break strategy when it comes to being organized and getting things in your life done. In life, you get done what you want to do. If you desire to do more, you need to get organized. Often, we know what we need...

We have another listener question, this time coming all the way from the UK. Deanto Callo wants to know if it is possible to be friendly and informal with your staff and still maintain professional standards? It is possible to be friendly and maintain expectations and standards with your team. You have to decide who you are and what you stand for, as a leader and as a company. Make sure your team...

You have heard me talk about the cloud recently and how I am trying to become more familiar with what it means for business. We have a special guest today. Kenneth Johnson, CEO of Blue Sentry, joins us to help us better understand the benefits of "the Cloud". There are a lot of implications for business when it comes to migrating to the cloud, and it can seem overwhelming. The best way to understa...

Today we are answering a listener question. Karen Ellis asks "What can help a person break out of a role or job title and get others to see they can do more and grow into another role?" Karen gave the example of an administrative assistant looking to move into more responsibility. There are two sides to this discussion. If you are on the employee side and want to move into a new role, the answer i...

I just returned from the annual IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Conference. Not only can you get a good hot dog, but if you are in the entertainment park business, it is a great opportunity to learn about upcoming innovations in the industry. No matter the industry you are in, it is important to get outside the walls of your own company and expose yourself to n...

This year, I was honored to attend the Elevate Prize Conference in South Beach. If you are not familiar with it, the Elevate Prize is awarded by The Elevate Prize Foundation to ten or more global leaders who are tackling pressing issues in innovative ways. The foundation also sponsors the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award and the Elevate Giving Program. While attending the conference, I encountered man...

We have made mention before the current labor shortage most companies are experiencing. While people may be enjoying a time away from the daily grind, sooner or later, the vast majority will have to return to work. Many mindsets, however, have been permanently changed. The workforce will return, but with a different set of expectations. People are going to look for companies that invest in their e...

The way you handle customer complaints can make or break your company. Today, companies often look for a quick and easy way to deal with complaints. Automated options are a good resource, but you can't let technology take the place of truly serving your customer. Disney is known for its customer service and how they handle complaints. They investigate each one with a personal call. That in and of...

There is a lot going on in the world right now. Whether it is understanding the benefit of Cloud services or navigating this new season in the world of hiring and retaining talent, leadership is taking a long hard look at how they operate. One thing leaders need to be looking at is how they can cut through the multiple layers of management and connect directly with employees. With every layer of m...

Now more than ever, individuals are resigning from their current jobs and pursuing something different. It's being called The Great Resignation. People have realized that they don't want to do a job that they don't like. They also don't want to be where they don't feel valued. They have learned that they can work from home and be with their family. They have learned that enduring a commute every d...

It is never easy having hard conversations. Today I am answering a listener question in this vein. An anonymous listener asks: What do you do when you love your job but can't stand what is happening behind the scenes with management? How do you have a conversation with your boss to address your concerns? It can be intimidating to approach your boss with concerns. Sometimes, we can even build it up...

In his poem "If" Rudyard Kipling closes with the line, "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the earth and everything that's in it." Today Jody and I are discussing what you can do to make the most of your time. I've been preaching the power of 60 seconds for years. When you fill your minute with something that pays off down the road, you can ma...

Today Jody and I are answering a question submitted by Melanie Maximus. Melanie asks, "How do you handle negatives posts online or comments in person from former employees?" In the wake of an ongoing pandemic, businesses have closed or have had to lay off employees at an unprecedented rate. While the reasoning may be understandable, it doesn't mean there won't be some upset former team member left...