Creating Magic

10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney

By: Lee Cockerell

Narrated by: Lee Cockerell

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

It's not the magic that makes it work; it's the way we work that makes it magic.

The secret for creating magic in our careers, our organizations, and our lives is simple: outstanding leadership, the kind that inspires employees, delights customers, and achieves extraordinary business results.

No one knows more about this kind of leadership than Lee Cockerell, the man who ran Walt Disney World Resort operations for over a decade. And in Creating Magic, he shares the leadership principles that not only guided his own journey from a poor farm boy in Oklahoma to the head of operations for a multibillion dollar enterprise, but that also soon came to form the cultural bedrock of the world's number one vacation destination. But as Lee demonstrates, great leadership isn't about mastering impossibly complex management theories. We can all become outstanding leaders by following the 10 practical, common sense strategies outlined in this remarkable book. As straightforward as they are profound, these leadership lessons include:

Everyone is important.

Make your people your brand.

Burn the free fuel: appreciation, recognition, and encouragement.

Give people a purpose, not just a job.

Combining surprising business wisdom with insightful and entertaining stories from Lee's four decades on the front lines of some of the world's best-run companies, Creating Magic shows all of us, from small business owners to managers at every level, how to become better leaders by infusing quality, character, courage, enthusiasm, and integrity into our workplace and into our lives.

©2008 Lee Cockerell (P)2008 Random House Audio

Inspiring ideas for professionals

Although not all of the concepts applied to my current situation I found this audio book inspirational.

what a great book!!

loved this from start to finish. lots of actionable advice and tips shared throughout. Really great advice for bringing the MAGIC to everything you do!

A Must Read for any inspiring leader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is genuine with common sense principles and strategies. It is inspirational and makes you want to apply the strategies.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lee, the author is a great role model for anyone in management or leadership role.

What does Lee Cockerell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Genuine, real life examples and very inspiring.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Listened one straight through, then chapter by chapter to really understand all strategies and action steps.

Any additional comments?

One of the best investments you can make for your development.

Must Have Book

Probably the best leadership book I have read. Lee is great at explaining his opinions with stories and examples of success and failure.

Simply Amazing!

Gone are the days of hard nosed, top down management....

If you don't want to do just survive, then you must implement these strategies into your business to thrive and be a wildly successful leader or business owner.

This is a deep book with a people focused message, masterfully delivered.

Lee Cockerell infuses his hard learned lessons from humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma, rising through the ranks of several acclaimed hotel chains and ultimately, leading, growing, and developing over 40,000 Cast Members at Walt Disney World.

This book is over 10 years old now; however, it's material is even more important today as the workplace is more culturally and generationally diverse.

Incredible information !!!

This was such good stuff I need to listen to it multiple times. Thanks for the insights

Fantastic. Excellent Leadership Book.

I've read / listened to many business and leadership books. This might just be my favorite. Every chapter provides great ideas that can actually be implemented. Lee Cockerell has an ability to move beyond some catchy, academic theory and deliver actual tactics and strategies that have worked in some of the most impressive companies on the globe. Terrific.

leadership at its best

I've read all the books on Leadership and this is by far my favorite. It should be required for anyone wanting to be in a management position.

IT'S THE WAY WE WORK THAT MAKES IT MAGIC

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it one of the best books on leadership.

What did you like best about this story?

The examples he used about the turning point in his life was great.

What does Lee Cockerell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing his voice, i felt connected to his experience.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes when he realized the impact his behavior had on the people around him.

Any additional comments?

Would highly recommend listening to.

Well worth your credits

If you could sum up Creating Magic in three words, what would they be?

Great management advice

What was one of the most memorable moments of Creating Magic?

The fact that the Disney corporation focuses on their people as their #1 asset - making them feel valued and appreciated which in-turn creates their desire to create magic for their employer

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The humour, humbleness and candid way he describes both his triumphs and failures as a leader

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Lee talks about a letter he wrote for an employee and later notices it framed on that same employee's wall when invited over for dinner several years later. His initial embarassment, then realization of the tremendous impact his simple gesture of a brief letter of recognition had on the employee.

Any additional comments?

The Disney philosophy of A.R.E. (Appreciate, Recognize and Encourage) is likely one of the most effective, straightforward and easily implemented concepts in the workplace and one that will allow the employer to reap the benefits of the