Great Leaders Ask Questions

"I think 99% of the time, they don't tell you everything that is causing that, and maybe they don't even know." Key Moments 01:52 Effective Communication in the Workplace 02:46 The Impact of Workplace Pressure 05:34 Overcoming Fear in Your Career 07:58 The Power of Checking In Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Helping an Employee Deal with Burnout One topic that resonates with many professionals is employee burnout. Someone recently reached out with concerns about an employee feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. It is a reality many employees and leaders face. However, it is important to recognize that it is not just about one stressor. Burnout is often due to a combination of personal & professional pressures. Identifying the root cause is key. Key takeaways from this episode: Understand the Underlying Issues: Often, burnout isn’t just about the current workload. It can stem from personal issues or a lack of balance. It's crucial to have open and honest conversations to uncover the root causes. Maintain an Open Dialogue: Consistently check in with your team members. Don't wait for them to come to you; actively engage in discussions about their well-being and potential stressors. Promote a Supportive Culture: Create a workplace environment where employees feel valued and heard. Sometimes, just knowing they have your support can ease feelings of burnout and anxiety. Some experience burnout more intensely than others so it is important to know how to handle it. From understanding the underlying causes of burnout to practical solutions for alleviating stress, this episode provides guidance to help you support your team members effectively. If planning a vacation has you feeling burnt out, let our friends at Magical Vacation Planner handle the details so you can truly relax.  Make sure you reach out to 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.

“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.

"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.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT TOOLBOX In this special virtual event, Lee and Jody Maberry record a live episode of the podcast with over 170 attendees. Thank you for the ongoing support and commitment to create Disney magic in your organization.    This episode focuses on one big question to ask yourself:   Do YOU have the right tools in your toolbox to be an effective leader?   When you have a people problem, you need the right tool/tools to fix it. I've put together a list of the tools that have been most effective in my professional and personal life.    42  TOOLS   *Hiring, *Training, *Treatment, Discipline, *Empathy, *Knowledge, *Truth, *Clarity, *Fairness, *Firmness, *Caring, *Coolness, *Calmness, *Collectedness, *Delegation, *Trust, *Coaching,  *Courage *Values, *Morals, *Learning, *Hiring, *Training, *Forgivness *Treatment, *Urgency, *Teach *Hard Conversations, *Patience, *Recognition, *Apology *Appreciation, *Encouragement , *Respect* Listen, *Inclusive, *Development, *Advice, *Simple reminder, * Verbal Warning, Written Warning *Termination.                                              Remember, YOU may have created the problem in the first place by not using the right tools. Using the wrong tools can make the  problem worse. 99 % of all problems are created by people and the other 1% by Mother Nature….Lee Cockerell Special thank you to Jamie and J.J. Eubanks, founders of Magical Vacation Planners, for joining on this live episode. They are great and always make sure people have a great trip. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners to plan your next vacation or group travel event. You can reach them at 407-442-2694. And another thank you goes to Katie Currens, for shifting gears from her usual behind the scene work on the production of the show to tagging in to co-host this special episode. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader    

"The most important customer interaction is the one with the person you are in front of." Key Moments 01:20 Cultivating a Positive Culture in Leadership and Management 02:56 Customer Centric Business Approach 05:08 Personalizing Interactions and Customer Service 09:09 Maintaining Personal Service in Large Organizations Resources Register for Episode 500 The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Treat People As Individuals The heart of customer service and leadership is the importance of valuing every person as a "Very Individual Person (VIP)". It's the individual attention and personalized service that makes all the difference in both our professional and personal lives. Every interaction in leadership, customer service, or even daily life can be magical when we understand individual needs.  Here are 3 key takeaways from this conversation: - Every Person as a VIP: VIP stands for Very Individual Person. Treating each person according to their unique needs and preferences is what sets exceptional customer service apart from the average. - Observation & Personalization: To really cater to individual needs, we must observe closely, ask the right questions, and personalize our approach. It’s about going beyond the generic encounters, learning what matters to your customer, and acting on it. - Consistency & Presence: Whether it's one guest or one team member, the most important interaction is the one you're currently having. Be present, not preoccupied, and give each person the focus they deserve to feel special. Every day, we meet people with diverse needs. Some want public praise, others a quiet note. Knowing each preference and responding to it is not only key in leadership but in creating life-lasting relationships. Individual care makes all the difference.  Join us for the milestone 500th episode – a live virtual party with giveaways, including a rare 1-on-1 coaching call with Lee Cockerell himself!  And if you are about to celebrate your own milestone, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

"They are perfect place to remind everyone every day about your expectations and pump up the team to win big when delivering to your customers and team members." Key Moments 00:00 Pre-shift meetings are a key leadership strategy. 04:23 Regular training improves performance and morale. 06:35 Purpose of pre-shit meetings are communication, appreciation, inspiration. 10:14 Effective pre-shift meeting strategies. 12:46 Celebrate 500th episode with giveaways, on May 6th. Resources Join the live recording of the 500th Episode The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Creating Magic with Pre-Shift Meetings As a leader you should understand the importance of pre-shift meetings. These brief interactions can transform your team's performance and engagement, which ultimately impacts your customer experience. These meetings offer so much clarity that I know they are what help Disney World's leaders create excellent, consistent service. I want you to be able to make magic in your organization too. In this episode I detail how you can apply these strategies to your team. The three things to consider when setting up a team huddle. The first thing to be aware of is that the meetings should enhance communication and clarity. Don't just have a meeting to have a meeting. That will have the opposite effect. Align your team with daily goals and expectations. Provide a platform for team members to ask questions, voice needs, and share vital updates. Use that information they give you to guide the conversations in the huddles.   Team huddles, or pre-shift meetings, are a great opportunity to boost team morale and focus. Use this time to inspire and motivate your employees and team. Including celebrations is a way to ensure everyone is in a good mindset as they start their shifts. Don't just do a annual or quarterly recognition. Acknowledge individual and team successes regularly. It is no secret that knowledge is power. There are many times the only way a leader has knowledge of something is if their employee lets them know. Likewise, employees are often busy completing their tasks that they depend on the leader to pass on any new information from the organization. Keep the team informed on pertinent topics, from customer service strategies to safety reminders. When you are intentional about equipping your team with information it empowers them to deliver exceptional service. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting in management, you can create organizational magic by crafting meaningful pre-shift meetings. Take a listen to this episode for more guidance on creating magic with pre-shift meetings.  Also, don’t forget to mark May 6th on your calendars for our 500th episode celebration. I would love to have you join to celebrate and create more magic together.  And if you are looking to take a trip for your own celebration, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They will do a great job planning your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.