I can remember the first time I visited Disneyland, I was about three years old and cruised around the park in a stroller. Since then, I’ve been to Disneyland several times; as a child, and as an adult with my wife and two daughters. To say that Disneyland is magical would be an understatement. But, have you every thought: What makes Disney so special, so magical? This month’s book is Creating Magic by Lee Cockrell. At the beginning, Lee points out the secret sauce to Disney’s success: “It’s not the magic that makes it work; it’s the way we work that makes it magic.”
Here are a few other lines from the book that I highlighted:
- Studies in a variety of industries have shown that it’s not just the product that makes for satisfied customers; it’s the way they are treated.
- Leadership is more than a role; it’s a responsibility. Being a leader means doing what has to be done, when it has to be done, in the way it should be done, whether you like it or not.
- Despite the amazing variety of human beings out there, all everyone wants is to feel special, to be treated with respect, and to be seen as an individual.
- Don’t micromanage. Hire great people, be perfectly clear about their responsibility, authority, and accountability, and let them do their thing.
- Because people naturally resist change, great leaders orient their people not only to expect change but to welcome it.
- Your people are your brand. No matter how good your products and services are, you can’t achieve true excellence unless you attract great people, develop great people, and keep great people.
- Give people a purpose, not just jobs.
- Take your role as a teacher seriously. If you want to be surrounded by great employees, being a teacher, coach, and counselor is far more effective than just being a boss.
- True professionalism is mainly about attitude and demeanor and the image you project to the world.
- Don’t lose your sense of humor. Professionals take their work seriously, but they don’t take themselves too seriously.
- Bottom line: Companies whose leaders know how to attract, develop, and keep those smart, energetic, creative employees will be the winners of the future.
I hope that what stuck out to me will serve your leadership whether in your church, business, non-profit, or as you lead your family. As a leader, it is your responsibility to learn to work in such a way that others would look at what you have done and describe it as “magical.”
For El Paso,
JT
If you would like to read the whole book you can purchase it here.