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!
Organizational Culture has its share of twists and turns right now! As a leader, are you adapting and balancing the needs of your employees with the needs of your organization?
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.
What spaces/elements/rooms do you have at your work property that aren't being used 100% of the time? How can you "repurpose" these spaces to use them more often?
With all due respect to the Osmonds, I believe that "...one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch, girl...." Make sure your organization is known for success instead of scandal!
Employees want more than just a paycheck. They want an organizational culture filled with love, fun, flexibility, ed. reimbursement, hybrid work, and more. What are you offering your employees?
We are about to try Spring Football...again! You are about to try the same recruiting process...again! You lead your employees the same way...again! But the results are just not there.
Are these the definitions of "insanity", or do you truly believe that "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again?"
Vacation means Vacation. It does not mean Vacation + Work. There is overwhelming research sharing why we must disconnect from work while on vacation!
Some call it "The Great Resignation." Others call it "The Big Quit."
Whatever you call it, the fact remains that employees have more opportunities than ever to move on from your organization. It's your job to retain then...especially the high-performers.
Leaders can take the transformative power of a small drop of water and turn it into a huge waterfall of employee development. How can you "transform" your employees and your culture?
Dollywood has great rides, shows, and attractions. So why should you care about their little ol' cinnamon bread? Could it be that their cinnamon bread helps to make lot$ of bread for the company?
Sometimes you HAVE to go backwards. It may be the only way to reset, revisit, and restructure your processes. While going backwards all the time is not good, never be afraid to stop a failing project, go "backwards" to the drawing board, and come back with something even better.
In-N-Out Burger is a "must-do" whenever I head to the West Coast.
Today and for the near future, driving your corporate culture is a "must-do" for all leaders!
Disney Parks often use overlays in some of their attractions to "plus" them up during certain times of the year. On what product or service can you add an "overlay" in order to improve your customer experience?
While the end product at V.Sattui Winery is delicious wine, they still needed a "vehicle" to get people to visit when they reopened in 1976. Their picnic grounds and deli were the "vehicle" to get customers to their final product...which is the wine. What "vehicle" are you using to drive customers to your final products?
The Chateau Elan Winery & Resort provides a "Grand" experience. But all you need to do to provide that same experience for your guests could be a simple "Greeting."
Lagniappe is that "little something extra." What lagniappe are you providing to enhance YOUR customer experience? While your lagniappe doesn't have to be as costly as canals, it CAN be as effective, no matter how big or how small.
What have you forgotten recently? Phone? Keys? Wallet? Following up with an employee who now thinks you are a moron as you forgot to give them the answer that you promised to give them by the end of the day? This is why it is so important to minimize "forgetfulness."
Huey Lewis once sang it's "Hip to be Square." There may be positive reasons for leaders to be "square" every now and then. With all apologies to Huey Lewis AND the News, I present these three "Tips to be Square." (sigh)
"Accuracy Matters" is one of many slogans you will hear on local news across the U.S. But how does that apply to us as leaders, and how can we ensure accuracy at work? These two tips may help.
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