I recently returned from a three day trip to the swamp in Orlando called DISNEY!! It was, as expected, amazing for my 5 year old daughter and her daddy, but for the forward thinking, ever wondering, hopeful visionary leader, I couldn't stop thinking about how successful and effective the "Disney Experience" was for me. So here are FIVE reasons Disney keeps winning again and again and again...
5. YOU CAN ESCAPE YOUR FEARS, DREADS, and HURTS Why is it we go on vacation anywhere?? We all need/want and desire a place to run away to, escape the reality of our work and the everyday struggles of life. Somehow, Disney removes those things and you breathe differently, your days are long, the lines move quickly, and even through the occasional tired moment, you still escape to a different, better, and exciting place. They make it easy. They make it enjoyable. They make it so fulfilling that you can't wait to go back. 4. THERE ARE NO EMPLOYEES...ONLY CAST MEMBERS Employees work. Cast members act, live, perform, entertain, and are ALWAYS on the stage. It is hard to find anyone employed there, who isn't 100%. EVERYONE said Happy Birthday to my princess from dressed characters, to photographers, to custodians, and even members on break. The commitment is truly remarkable. 3. THE DREAM LIVES Few places in this world are still driven by the dream of one man like current day Disney is driven by Walt's dream and vision. Reading more about Disney, hearing they way he talked about the place he would build and grow, his dynasty, his land, and his mouse. It is inspiring to know "If you can dream it, you can do it." 2. THE MOST IMPORTANT CUSTOMER IS 5 Yes. I know I paid the bill. I was not the customer. The five year old that held my hand was the customer, but so was the five year old who lives inside of me. The fountain of youth that happens when you walk through the gate, is unmatched anywhere. I ran just as fast as my daughter did to see my favorite characters, remember my times there, and create new memories that will hopefully carry to her children as well. 1. EVERYONE LOVES FIREWORKS It is by far my favorite part of the experience...when the park stops, and for 20 minutes (which seems like longer) the magic carries everyone away. Away from the crowd, the heat, the rain, the characters and the overpriced food. The fireworks are the equalizer in language, culture, age, and disposition. For those brief moments, tantrums stop, exhaustion takes a break, and we all celebrate whatever it is we dream. What if we created escape for people, allowed our jobs not be be work, believe in the dream, live and serve the child in all of us, and give something away that everyone loves and lets everyone dream?? I would work there, live there, go there, shop there...so let's try to be a little more like Disney and see what happens....maybe we can do what we dream! |
Thanks for stopping by. These are musings on how I see leadership in the world and how I continue to try and grow through my lens.
|