What is your quest?

Posted on April 16, 2012 by David

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973)

How many of you are thinking of Monty Python right now? Minor geek check there.

But, seriously, where are you headed? Do you have a goal in mind or are you wandering aimlessly?

If you are a leader (the “if” shouldn’t be in question), having a goal and a vision for how to get there is essential in directing your organization toward success.

Disney has learned (yes, I’m talking about them again) that leading by example delivers tangible results. I wrote this down on day 1 of my Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence course from Disney Institute. I had no idea that one of the facilitators of that course would turn out to be a mentor and a close personal friend.

He wasn’t the originator of that idea. However, he has taught me (and anybody else who will listen) that someone is always watching. He knows that communicating your vision sets the direction of your organization and inspires passion in those you are leading.

So if you know where you’re headed, how are you communicating that to those who will follow you?

“The noblest search is the search for excellence.”
Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States (1963-1969)

Posted in Business Growth, Career, Communicate, Disney Institute, Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence, Following, Growth, Jeff Noel, Leadership, Vision | 4 Comments

“Hang on to them hats and glasses folks . . .”

Posted on April 15, 2012 by David

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

Nobody said the road to success would be easy.

You’ve already probably experienced disappointment along your journey. Unless it’s a deadly path you’re on, don’t quit. Quitting is synonymous with dying.

Think of the lesson you’re teaching by quitting.

Enjoy the bumpy ride. Because “this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!”

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.”
John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States (1961-1963)

Posted in Disappointment, Encouragement, Resolve | Comments Off on “Hang on to them hats and glasses folks . . .”

How do you lead?

Posted on April 14, 2012 by David

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)

By example or by force?

Here’s what I want you to do or here’s how to do it?

Leadership isn’t always about getting things done. Give your people the tools they need to succeed.

Need more leadership advice? Please go here and take a look at Lee’s book. You can also sign up for his newsletter. While you’re at it, check out his iPhone app on iTunes.

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States (1953-1961)

Posted in Disney Institute, Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence, Leadership, Lee Cockerell, Success | 2 Comments

Get out of your way

Posted on April 13, 2012 by David

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972)

What’s stopping you from being the success you know you can achieve?

Got a mirror?

We’re all afraid of making mistakes. The fear of being wrong shouldn’t stop us from doing what is right.

When I was a freshman in high school, I took an advanced English course. We were covering types of speeches. Speeches to inform, to instruct, to entertain and to persuade. I was assigned the task of making a persuasive speech.

After introducing the topic, I began to tell my audience I was not for nor against the topic. Way to go Einstein.

Needless to say, I got an “F” on the assignment. And now I make a living persuading people to buy their products from me.

Good thing I didn’t let that failure get in the way of my future.

“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.”
Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States (1945-1953)

Posted in Failure, Future, Growth, Mistake | Comments Off on Get out of your way

Succinct

Posted on April 12, 2012 by David

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945)

Check your mission statement, your employee handbook, your own vernacular.

Are you using large, copious, voluminous words to make your point? Chances are they also make it into your vocabulary when talking with your customers.

Keep it simple. And make sure it’s straightforward and veracious. Better yet, just keep it simple.

“Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945)

Posted in Basics, Communicate, Guestology, Reaching Customers, Simplicity | 3 Comments