Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Leaders need to be preservationists. That's the message in Volume 299 of Pete's Points.
Focus on the good, not on the bad. That's the simple message in Volume 298 of Pete's Points.
Size matters. It's a marketing tagline that makes you stop and think. It's also a reminder to take a look at the "size" of your employee base. How are you attacking your current job openings? Are you focused more on recruiting new employees, or trying to retain the ones you have?
Own your leadership style. Don't leave it up for interpretation. That's the message in Volume 296 of Pete's Points.
You don't have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner from the University of Maryland to make a positive impact with your words. All you have to do is use email in a positive way.
Pete's Points Volume 294 is all about using your time wisely. Your time plan can be an important part of your daily strategic plan. Use your time wisely...especially on a Disney vacation!
Leaders, you need to have some barriers in place to protect you...from yourself! I call these positive barriers.
Peter Drucker, management guru, has a quote about culture eating strategy for breakfast. It goes something like this. "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." How is your organizational culture?
What leadership phrases are becoming extinct? Do you use any of these leadership phrases? If so, be aware...that these types of leadership messages may soon be extinct.
According to the Gallup organization, employee engagement levels are at an 11-year low. So what can you do about it? Make some time to "talk" to your unengaged or actively disengaged employees to see what you can do.
"Change is good...if you make good changes" says my buddy Brian Vagi. I also think change is good... if you accept it, embrace it, and lead it.
"Pass it down."
That statement is usually heard at the dinner table and is reserved for salt, pepper, or extra barbeque sauce. But have you ever thought about what else you, as a leader, should be passing down?
Leadership does not happen in a vacuum. Leaders cannot get better by themselves. Truly great leaders have a partner to help them along the way. Who is your "leadership partner?"
If you have a new product, new offering, or new employee process in your organization, you need to create a "buzz" around it. How do you do that?
Leaders, do not ignore the elephant in the room. It is there. Everyone is talking about it before the meeting and after the meeting. Go ahead, be a leader, and address that elephant.
What is your AI strategy for your organization? Don't have one? You are not alone. It seems like its the Wild Wild West when it comes to AI. Get to work on an AI strategy ASAP!
Walk. Take a walk. Leaders should walk. Walking is good. Please walk. Walk when you can.
While you should never try to be just like anyone else, there are certain leaders who have certain skills that you should try to replicate.
What is your X-Factor? What is the "one" thing that allows you to stand out as a leader?
Leaders become great by focusing on their people, their processes, and their physical property (office space, customer facing areas, etc.)
Here is the simple secret of leadership success. Don't make it about you. Make it about them. Focus on others first.
Does it feel like your life is spinning out of control, and you are helpless to stop it? Maybe you need to put something in place in the front, and some "speed bumps" in place at the end in order to help stop the spin.
Is there really a need for a heated ski lift? Reasons against it include... I am dressed warmly, so it may not be a big deal to me.
It will cost a more money to create vs. a non-heated ski lift.
People are going to ski here regardless of whether there is a heated lift or not.
But a heated ski lift plusses it up!
Where do you stand on the idea of a leader having an "open-door" policy? Cy Wakeman has a book we are using titled 'No Ego' where she debunks the concept of open doors. I have always been a proponent of the open-door policy, but now she has me thinking otherwise...
Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's, led with vision, innovation, and philanthropy. If you are setting up some leadership goals for yourself in 2024, these three concepts are a good place to start.
It may be possible that your kids, your grandkids, your teenagers, your high school students, your junior workers, or anyone younger than you may have a really good idea! Don't discount good ideas because they come from someone younger than you.
Looking for a mantra for 2024? How about "stop barking?"
What do Coon Dogs and hard working employees have in common? They both need recognition...and we should not wait until they are "gone" before we thank them and recognize them.
Leaders are told to be many things - Mentor / Coach / Supervisor. But have you ever thought about the role of a leader as a "connector?"
Leaders, it will be difficult to be successful if you are floundering in the wind. You need a firm foundation in order to be successful. Concrete is a good foundation for roads.. What makes up your leadership foundation?
Sometimes, we HAVE to imitate others. Imitation, used in the right way, is not a sign of mediocrity. Instead, it is a sign of critical thinking and business savvy.
When I worked at Disney, "art" was a huge part of the "Disney Show" in the theme parks. What you see, feel, smell, taste, and touch while at a Disney theme park includes a lot of "art." Tampa International Airport uses art as well, but they call her Phoebe!
While conference sessions are amazing, I always gain just as much knowledge from the table conversations and networking events...sort of my own version of ChatGPT.
While it is important to rest and relax while you are visiting the "coast," it is even more important that you refrain from "coasting" when you are at work.
Are your best employees hiding under a rock? Do your best employees have some skills that you did not know about because they are hiding those skills under a rock? As leaders, sometimes what we need is right in front of us, and all we have to do is look under the rock!
Disney Guest Service Guideline #6 was "Preserve the Magical Guest Experience." That always made sense to me...and when I was at Disney, there was a lot of "magic" to protect and preserve. But how does that concept translate into other organizations? It all comes down to the sausage (preferably Conecuh sausage)!
Are you a "lone palm leader?" Are you out there by yourself on an island, or are there a bunch of other palm trees following your lead? And...does your point of view matter?
Average is just average. Above average is just a smidge better than average. Excellence is the way to go! Why are you and your employees not striving for "excellent" every day?
We will always be searching for the best uses of both our time and our money.
Professional athletes know how important it is to warm-up before going to work. We as leaders need to warm-up before leading each and every day.
Leaders, what do you do when a project you are working on is delayed? It could be delayed for a year, a month, a day, or even a few hours. Stop complaining, stop blaming, and if possible, use that time to go exploring!
Leaders, can you show two different leadership styles at work? Of course, as long as you don't come across as inconsistent or erratic!
Step 1 - Have a plan and stick to it. Step 2 - Be wary of untested shortcuts. Step 3 - Try not to eat your team members.
Leaders, is there an overarching sense of "gloom and doom" in your organization, and what can you do to prevent it?
Leaders, instead of saying "no" right away, have you considering sharing a "provisional" yes? That would be a "Yes, if..."
A "provisional" yes by the International Olympic Committee – IOC is what turned a sleepy mountain town near Lake Tahoe, CA into the home of the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Your best days are ahead of you! I truly believe that for myself, and I also believe it for all of us. This message from Disney Springs in Orlando helps to reinforce that message.
Back in the day, the "wild, wild west" was full of land grabbers, survival of the fittest, and a 'me-first' mentality. I am fairly confident that model will not work today for small business owners and organizational leaders.
In order for your vision, mission and values to work in your organization, they must be CLEAR to everyone.
If you don't "toot your own horn," who will? The Little Waldorf Saloon in Reno, NV reminds us to toot the horn of the University of Nevada Athletic teams.
As you go through your daily role as a leader, ask yourself this question: What three words do you want others to remember you by when you are gone?
It is so important for leaders to have a story to tell about their organization. If you have a blimp tower, that helps a lot!
Leaders, what are you doing to go above and beyond for your loyal customers and your loyal employees?
Walt Disney used a "weenie" to drive interest in his theme parks. What type of weenie can you create in your organization?
Why settle for "either / or" when you might be able to have "both / and?" Be on the lookout for possible partnerships!
Successful leaders are the "impetus" for positive change in their organizations. How can you create an impetus in your company?
Successful leaders find a way to give back to others, both with their time and with their finances.
If you have a success at work, you should definitely try and 'repeat' that success. All champions want to repeat!
The "welcome' is an essential part of the Guest Experience Cycle. Make sure both your people and your property create a welcoming atmosphere!
Emails, texts, and Slack messages are convenient. But there is amazing power in this talking device called a "telephone.!"
It is up to you to build your team. There are many ways to do this...but I recommend creating a "sunshine team" and buying a "conference bike."
"Walk a Mile in my Shoes..."
When we hear that, do we dismiss it...or do we do it? Empathy is a core component of Emotional Intelligence, and is a skill/trait where all of us (including me) can improve.
You don't always get down time at work. Not all of us have a "slow season." But if you do get some extra time, do NOT waste it. Invest in yourself, your organization, or your team.
When an area is truly deserted, it is easy to be alone with your thoughts. When you are alone with your thoughts, you can come up with some really good ideas, goals, and plans.
There is lots of discussion these days about salary transparency. Would a company or organization benefit by being more transparent with their salary schedules?
Stop looking all over the world for the perfect employee and instead look inside your company. You might be surprised at what you find!
Words and phrases and great for goals and resolutions, but numbers may be more fun! Why not use a number this year when setting your goals?
If you want to be a great leader, you need to be sure you are a great trainer as well.
Here are three great tips on leadership that you can learn from Orville and Wilbur Wright!
Miss something once...that's OK. Miss something two or three times and it can go sideways. Here are my tips to help prevent you from falling 'behind.'
What do you keep in your "employee files," and do your employees know what is in there? If they do, it will make the annual review so much easier!
There are hundreds of leadership words that start with "R" that may apply to your leadership journey. I chose Read, Reflect, and Relationships for this edition of Pete's Points.
Being a lifelong learner is a non-negotiable for anyone who claims to be a leader. The Library of Congress in Washington D.C. reminded me that we all need to keep reading to keep learning.
Leaders need an escape, and not the Rupert Holmes kind. Instead, leaders need a place to go to recharge, relax, and reinvest in themselves.
For President George Washington, that place to "escape" was Mount Vernon.
Where is your escape?
What direction are you going? What direction are your employees going? How about your corporate culture?
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said "If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are headed."
Where ARE you headed?
Do you have what it takes to be a pioneer in your industry? Not many of us do...BUT...we do have what it takes to be a pioneer in our department, location, organization, company, etc.
If you are leading positive changes in one of these areas, then you are a pioneer...so wear that title proudly!
What do you do when you hit a "bump" in the road at work? What is your first reaction when the "bump" damages your flow, slows your project, or causes you stress?
Flashback to the 90's for some good old fashioned Disney University knowledge that I feel is still applicable today regarding Flight, Fight, or Adapt!
Waiting is the lifeblood of inefficiency!
So what do you do while you wait?
I've got a few ideas in Episode 222 of Pete's Points.
Leaders, do your facilities have rooms, break rooms, training rooms, fields, classrooms, private dining, breakout spaces, common areas, or anything else that is NOT being used as much as it could?
Maybe you should "multipurpose your facilities" just like at Protective Stadium. You can gain revenue and relationships with just a little creative thinking.
Fake is good for theme parks and resorts. Fake is not good for your personal leadership strategy!
Could your business / organization grow if you started a "sibling rivalry" with your competition?
A counterbalance is a "weight that offsets another." We all need a counterbalance in our lives. Here are three options for you.
Mystic Pizza, the movie, came out in 1988. So how does a restaurant of the same name still have relevance 40 years later? And what does Maverick have to do with all of this?
When you are on vacation, use that time to recharge your batteries, reset your priorities, and relate more with your family.
The World Games is an event that will only happen ONCE for the City of Birmingham. What events only happen ONCE for you as a leader?
Lagniappe means "a little something extra." What "little something extra" are you providing for your customers?
There are two types of relationships: Personal and Virtual. Make sure you spend time grooming and improving both types.
Don't just solve a problem to solve a problem... Solve a problem because the solution could end up creating something bigger and better than you ever dreamed.
Leaders, we have to get out of our silos and work together for "the greater good." Depending on the size of your company and the goals of your organization, the "greater good" may mean different things to different people. But for all of us, I think it means to reframe what we are are trying to accomplish as a collective whole.
Remote work is great. Hybrid work is great. 100% in the office is great. The success of these styles depends on you and your organizational culture. BUT...if you are 100% remote, what are you doing to minimize the effects of "employee isolation"?
Are you willing to take a "long shot?" What do you do when the odds are against you? Rich Strike was 80-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. You may be a long shot. Your goal may be a long shot. It doesn't mean you should not try.
What do you know about Betsy Ross? If you are like me, your answer is "she made the American Flag." Yes, and... She was much more than that. A leader, a skilled craftswoman, a courageous fighter, a passionate American, and more... What an amazing woman with incredible "adaptability skills."
Leaders, it's time to stop your employees from "gaming the system!" Here, I share a story from Epcot about how we experienced this in my organization, and why we addressed it right away! What do you do when your employees try to "game the system" by using a back door?
Leaders should be "sharing their expertise" with others to help them grow. One way is to speak at conferences.
How do the Savanah Bananas implement the Guest Experience Cycle on a regular basis? This short video shares their success.
How do you "view" your competition if you can't see them? Here are a few ways to keep with your competition when they are out-of-sight!
Encourage your employees to ask "What if...?" It could help you build a bridge to something great!
Don't discount old or historical property pieces at work. Just a little cost and creativity turns something old into something new!
Have you taken a 30,000 foot view of any of your processes recently? I just did for Volume 200 of Pete's Points! This edition comes with two action items...one for you and one for me! Watch the short video for your personal challenge, and thanks for supporting me through 200 episodes.
Copyright © 2022 Pete Blank - All Rights Reserved.