Creating Disney Magic Lee Cockerell

“Leaders need to recognize how important it is to have trust and involvement and being inclusive, and especially appreciating people telling you the truth."
Key Moments
03:14 Mishandled meetings lead to a toxic culture.
05:15 Empower employees, listen, learn, and succeed.
07:08 Navigating the choice to improve or accept a bad workplace situation.
09:54 Responding to constructive criticism as a leader.
12:04 Impact of implementing pre-shift meetings
13:45 Recapping the art of effective meetings
Resources
The Cockerell Academy
About Lee Cockerell
Mainstreet Leader
Dealing with Bad Meetings
One way to create a toxic environment and drive away talent is to lead with a “my way or the highway” style. Recently a listener reached out with a question about dealing with bad meetings. The meetings she mentions are so bad that employees now call their meetings the “you suck meeting.” This term was coined by employees frustrated by the negative and authoritarian style of their morning meetings. Unfortunately, culture issues like this can develop in any workplace if leadership doesn't strive for positive and inclusive communication.
If you are ever in a toxic workplace situation and are on your way out, consider writing a helpful and constructive note. Let leadership know the impact of their approach. They may not even realize how their actions are driving away good employees. Workplace information delivered the right way can spark change. On the flip side, if you are staying in a workplace with a toxic culture you are going to have to face a hard truth. You either deal with the environment or start looking for a better one.
Leaders need to pay attention. Creating a toxic atmosphere drives away talent. When an employee gives feedback it is important to be open to it. When you create an environment where people feel included in meetings you are less likey to get to a point where your meetings are no longer deemed effective. There are two essential questions to include in your next pre-shift meeting. What do I need to know to help you do a better job? What do you want to be working on? Empower your team through involvement and support.
If you want to be average, let it go. If you want to be great, everything matters. Aim for greatness. And remember that every detail counts.
To make sure you have a great vacation make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

"I started listening to the Jordan Harbinger Show and have really enjoyed the variety of guests that he talks to... The more you know and the more points of view you hear, the better you're going to run your life, your business and your relationships." Check out the Jordan Harbinger Show - we think you're going to enjoy it.

"Something I learned from Al Weiss was if you don't understand something, ask questions."
Key Moments
01:10 Questions from 500th episode that are focused on Disney
02:49 Importance of asking questions in leadership
06:25 Opening day of "Euro Disney" had challenges with multinational staff
09:31 Disney enforcing professional uniform and appearance standards.
11:08 Value of sharing knowledge across generations.
15:31 Experience and exposure opens eyes to new career paths and possibilities.
Resources
The Cockerell Academy
About Lee Cockerell
Mainstreet Leader
Great Leaders Ask Questions
During our live recording for episode 500 people asked a lot of questions in the chat. Any time someone asks a question I appreciate it. Years ago while working at Disney I realized that great leaders ask questions. During this episode we answer more questions about my years working for Disney, including who taught me to ask questions. 
When I moved to Florida from Paris I worked closely with the president of Walt Disney World, Al Weiss. Al's clarity, financial acumen, and insistence on understanding the details really shaped my approach to leadership. The company has great attention to detail, which is brought to life through hard work and clear communication from leaders. Those were key in making big moments happen, such as the opening of what was then called Euro Disney. Disney's commitment to clear expectations, training, and professionalism are the keys to creating Disney magic over and over again.
One of the best parts of being retired and now teaching, speaking, and conducting workshops on more leadership and management lessons like these. I get a lot of joy in passing on valuable knowledge to individuals of all ages. Not only here in businesses and schools, but in locations like Mexico and Brazil. There are always stories and lessons to share after so many years working for an organization like Disney. Let me know how I can help your organization create their own version of Disney magic. 
Make sure to listen to this episode and find ways you can apply the lessons in your own work environment. Whether it's asking more questions to gain clarity, maintaining high standards, or finding opportunities to pass on knowledge to others. Creating a plan is the first step in creating magic.
Another step to take is to reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694 so they can help you create magic on your trip. 
 

"We don't make a big deal out of the podcast. It's just like you dropped by the coffee shop and we were sitting there talking."
Key Moments
02:03 Global connectivity via podcasting
03:48 Value of dialogue about anxiety, depression, and feedback.
08:23 Using a podcast format best fit for your message
11:06 Solve problems through conversations and new perspectives.
15:25 Podcast bloopers and learning opportunities.
17:27 Celebrating 10 years of support for Creating Disney Magic podcast.
Resources
The Cockerell Academy
About Lee Cockerell
Mainstreet Leader
 How to Spread Your Message with a Podcast
We recently celebrated a big milestone for the podcast with the release of our 500th episode. That episode ended up being a live recording so people all over the world could join us, and they did. Despite Jody losing his voice, the event was a success with a lot of questions popping up in the chat. There were quite a few questions about podcasting, so we decided to dedicate this episode to answering them. 
There have been a lot of topics around leadership, management, and customer service shared over the 10 years of this podcast. Despite not knowing much about a podcast, it didn't take me long to realize that they are a great way to spread your message worldwide. The format we've decided to use, with Jody as the host, has seemed to really help with the conversation and engagement. We haven't had many guests, but when we do they provide great new perspectives. One of the biggest recommendations I have is to keep it authentic and conversational. That is how your audience will connect with you.
There have been a few memorable moments such as the episode when I discussed my experience with depression and anxiety. That one really touched a lot of people. Even though we don't really plan our episodes in advance we've not had a bunch of bloopers. The episodes are great conversations that feel like you are walking into a conversation at the coffee shop. I think that is what has made it so successful. 
This podcast has been great and I have no plans to slow down. At this rate, episode 1000 would be done when I am 90. I love the subjects that come up because it makes me think about the way I handle myself in situations. And when you do this, you learn along the way. It may seem like I am teaching, but I'm also learning. 
If you have been thinking about starting a podcast, go for it. 500 episodes ago I would not have realized how much it would have helped me spread my message around the world.
Thank you for continuing to show up to the podcast. If you want to find the other work we're doing, go to cockerellacademy.com. You can also reach us at leecockerell.com and jodymaberry.com. 
You should also reach out to Magical Vacation Planners for help planning your next vacation. They are great supporters of the show and great support for the people they help plan trips for. Reach out to them at 407-442-2694.
Until next week, go out and create magic for others.

"We need less bosses and more teachers because that's where you make the big impact, and that's where people get better, And that's where people get more comfortable with you."
Key Moments
00:57  Reflecting on the importance of teaching, helping others, and leaving a lasting impression.
05:11 Learned skills at Marriott and Disney then developed training and the skills to others
09:06 Professional experience open opportunities to share knowledge and influence others positively.
10:31 Write down skills and strengths when reflecting on career 
13:44 Upcoming workshops and Masterminds with Lee
Resources
The Cockerell Academy
About Lee Cockerell
Mainstreet Leader
Dan Cockerell’s Book How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom?
Be a Teacher
Adopting a teaching mindset can make you a greater leader in your professional and personal life. Once I took on a teacher's mindset I transformed my leadership style and career for the good. It's a lesson that took me a long time to figure out, but pretty fulfilling as I hear about the the long-lasting impact I've had on others' careers and lives. During our conversation, Jody and I talk more about why leaders need to be a teacher, the value of writing down your knowledge, and how you can remain relevant and influential even after a long career.
Three key takeaways from our conversation:
Teaching Transforms Leadership: transitioning from being a boss to becoming a teacher can have a profound impact on your career and legacy. It's not just about leading; it's about helping others grow and succeed. Importance of Patience and Repetition: Effective teaching requires patience and the willingness to repeat essential lessons until they are understood. It's these consistent efforts that create lasting value in your team/students' lives. Document and Share Your Knowledge: Whether you're transitioning careers or just want to make a bigger impact, writing down your insights and experiences is powerful. It helps crystallize your thoughts and serves as a valuable resource for others. My son Dan Cockerell did this after retiring from Disney. He used those notes to write his book, "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?" Make sure to listen to this episode for more lessons from my career, and how teaching will have a major impact on your personal and professional growth. Let this episode be the inspiration you need to become a teacher in your own right. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and create magic for others.
Looking for someone to teach you a lesson on how to enjoy a relaxing vacation in your dream destination? Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation with you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

“Every problem in business is a person that didn't do what they say they're going to do.”
Key Moments
01:37 Effective leadership requires self-reflection and collaboration.
03:52 Identifying and overcoming workplace barriers.
05:13 Candor is truth with empathy.
07:01 Identifying and overcoming personal barriers.
10:14 Cockrell Academy program: guiding you to leadership.
Resources
The Cockerell Academy
About Lee Cockerell
Mainstreet Leader
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-2694
Leaders Break Down Barriers
Great leaders are good at removing obstacles to create a cohesive, efficient workplace. However, sometimes you just don't know why there's a barrier. When you don't know, you feel it and you know it's there, the leader should be the one to step up and find out why. We need to stay committed to the job that we took, which includes taking care of each other and our guests. And when you don't break down those barriers or put in the effort to remove obstacles, one of those is going to suffer.
Whether you are leading a team, managing a project, or trying to excel in your personal life, understanding and overcoming barriers is key to success. Be proactive about detecting and addressing conflicts that can create barriers within teams. Whether these barriers are relational, organizational, or self-imposed, identifying and directly addressing them can prevent minor issues from becoming major roadblocks.
Being honest and straightforward about challenges has a ton of benefits. It clarifies expectations and builds trust within teams. This openness paves the way for more effective collaboration and problem-solving. When leaders create an culture where apologies and accountability are valued, it encourages a more collaborative and trusting team dynamic. Be open, be honest, and lead with empathy. Candor is kindness.
Recently I realized that I needed to remove some barriers in the Cockerell Academy. It has been revamped to make learning leadership, management, and customer service more structured and accessible. It’s now easier than ever to navigate through the resources with guided paths. Check it out and let me know what you think. There is a link below in the resources.
Considering a magical vacation? Contact our friends at Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-2694 and let them know Lee Cockerell sent you. They’ll help craft a vacation as seamless and enriching as navigating through the revamped Cockrell Academy.