Something that strikes most visitors to Walt Disney World is how “nice” of a place it is. It’s very clean. The employees are called “cast members” because they’re playing a role and they have a reputation for great service and … Read More
Keeping it simple is something I like other people to do. I, however, am not always so good at it. That’s why I like simple equations – they help me focus, and help me explain things to others. p=P-i …where … Read More
Sometimes it’s skill, sometimes marketing, sometimes bad staff, but usually it’s the management. That’s part of the awesomeness of the show; that look on the leader’s face when they realize this:
“Hey, I really wanted this person to come in and fix the place and the staff, but they’re saying I’m the problem. Oh no!”
If you’re a fan of Undercover Boss, try Tabatha’s Salon Takeover. It rocks. And it’s full of real stuff for leaders.
Still on vacation. Something to share with you, though: This woman has a fantastic blog that is great reading for anyone who cares about public education. Check it out: Expected freedoms.
Much of what I write and teach about servant leadership comes, frankly, from a moral, “do good”, outlook. This may sound cheesy, but I’m a cheesy guy; servant leadership from all leaders and teachers and coaches and managers and parents, everywhere, would make the world a much better place for everyone. But there is a utilitarian way of looking at this also. Keeping people engaged insures a much greater likelihood that the goals of the organization will be attained.
So many believe that leaders are “visionary”. It’s true – but a problem is this:
The concept of vision is “out there”, esoteric, hard to grasp. Aren’t visionary leaders somehow “special” in that regard? How can you “teach” vision?
A working definition of “Vision” as it applies to leaders:
Vision is a two-fold ability:
1) the ability to accurately see the current reality of the organization/situation, and
2) the ability to creatively see the possibilities of the organization/situation.
What can you do to avoid getting bored yourself, with your own routine?
What’s comfortable and automatic for you? Consider ditching it.
Keep moving, keep challenging yourself to do new things, and keep using new words to catch the attention of others. Bonus points if you make them smile…
But what if teachers in general (and band/choir/orchestra directors specifically) studied best practices in business – both management from an organizational standpoint, and from a team-building/customer service/human relations standpoint?
And what if business leaders approached their businesses, and especially their people, as though they were volunteers (like band students) who could – and would – walk away from things if they didn’t think their time and energy were well-spent?
My first boss was fond of saying this: “Most days, we have fun around here.” The first time I heard him say this was in my job interview. He followed it up with “…and you can’t say that about most … Read More