"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.

03:46 Typecasting in the Workplace

06:02 Taking Opportunities for Career Advancement

08:33 Proactive Pursuit of Career Goals

10:54 Preparing for a Career Discussion with Your Boss

13:48 Supervisors Should Focus on Your Career Goals.

Resources

Join us for the live recording of episode 500. You can register here - leecockerell.com/500

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Ask For Your Next Opportunity

If you want to advance in your career there are times that you need the courage to ask for the opportunities you're seeking. Don’t let yourself continue to feel stuck or typecast in your role. The best way to shift toward your next opportunity is by making yourself visible and showing your value to leadership.

Often, employees assume their hard work will automatically be recognized and rewarded. The reality is that it’s not always the case. It is crucial to be proactive about your aspirations. Have an open conversation with your leader about your career goals. Let them know where you envision yourself within the organization and beyond. That will increase the likelihood of creating that next big break for yourself.

In the meantime it is necessary to work on developing a parallel plan. If you've been locked in the same role for a long time, then start to explore and confirm opportunities elsewhere. Seeing other roles will give you reassurance that can provide the courage needed to discuss career progression. It may even prompt a change if progress within the current organization isn't feasible.

Meanwhile, managers need to be more observant and proactive with their team members' career progression. Have regular career discussions and encourage an open-dialogue. That can prevent the loss of valuable team members who feel unnoticed or unappreciated. It's not only about what you can do for your team, but also about recognizing what your team can do for the organization with the right opportunities.

Remember, it's not just about showing up. It's about standing out! Don't wait to be noticed. Take the initiative, demonstrate your value, and ask for the opportunities you want.

Speaking of opportunities, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of 'Creating Disney Magic' history. Sign up to join Lee, Jody, and the rest of the community by heading over to leecockerell.com/500 and registering for the live recording of episode 500!

Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

"Include others that have been there and are doing the work. They know what works. If you ask their opinion and listen with an open mind, you don't need to know much yourself. And you can still make a good decision."

Key Moments

03:02 Customer and Employee Wisdom

06:12 Inclusive Decision-Making in Business

08:01 Human Ego Impacts Learning Opportunities

09:33 Reflecting and anticipating lead to better leadership.

12:20 Growth and Maturity in Management

14:03 Leading By Example Based On Experience

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Leaders Don't Need to Know Everything

Leaders can get more clarity during times of uncertainty by involving employees in decision-making. Never underestimate the value of frontline employee and customer insights. This is one of those skills that can impact all aspects of life. I was reminded of this as I transition from executive vice president of Walt Disney World to a retired husband.

There is a bit of a distinction between 'authority' and 'actual power', similar to domestic responsibilities versus corporate decisions. Having decision-making power in a business context doesn't necessarily translate to personal life. It is important to understand where one's influence begins and ends. Effective leaders must respect boundaries and recognize the specializations and autonomy of those within their teams—be it at home or work.

Knowing the strengths of your employees it makes it easier navigating moments of uncertainty in leadership. Experienced leaders involve their teams and seek out diverse perspectives to inform decisions. Acknowledging that nobody has all the answers is the sign of smart person. Leaders need to be less impulsive, gather varied inputs, and embrace a collaborative approach. Those will help them manage uncertainty and minimize the risk of costly mistakes.

Leaders should actively consult their teams, especially those on the frontline with direct customer interaction and practical know-how. This helps cultivate an environment of respect and active listening. It not only enriches leaders decision-making process but also creates a culture of inclusion and shared responsibility. Reflecting on past decisions helps leaders anticipate future challenges. This diligent practice can help reduce feelings of insecurity and provide a clearer direction.

Whether you're leading a household or a multinational company, the principles of good leadership remain the same. Lean on experience, listen to your team, and never stop learning. That's how you create organizational magic.

One group that always listens to the needs of their customers is Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.