JohnCDonahueJohnCDonahue |

More Lessons for Business from Walt Disney and Disney U

JCD — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:53:35 +0000

“What would Walt do?” For decades, that was the magic, pixie-dust question that permeated the Disney empire of animated cartoons, films, toys and theme parks. Advertisement As the creator and visionary behind the brand, Walt Disney worked hard to ensure that Disneyland’s guests felt ensconced in the “Happiest Place on Earth.” But it didn’t happen [...]

Disney University: The Power of Free Popcorn

JCD — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:28:25 +0000

Are the people who pay for goods and services “Customers,” “Patients,” “Students,” “Residents,” or “Guests?” Are the people working in an organization “Associates,” “Team Members,” “Partners,” “Employees or “Cast Members”? The debate about how to best address customers and employees consumes valuable time, energy and money in many organizations. Yet, merely changing nouns or verbs [...]

Getting Direction from The Disney Guest Service Philosophy

JCD — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:00:02 +0000

Walt Disney loved compasses. And when he designed Disneyland, they put one in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. You’ll find what’s called the “Compass Rose” in front of the walking area in front of and in back of Sleeping Beauty Castle. And the compass figures very prominently in the Disney philosophy of customer service. The four points of [...]

Celebrating A Special Day

JCD — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:00:07 +0000

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time… I love it for several reasons: 1. I’m wearing a Mickey Mouse Shirt and Mouse Ears – I was a Disney Fan before I ever KNEW I was a Disney fan! 2. My grandfather (Grandy) is in it looking young and pretty fly for the [...]

Are We Too Critical?

JCD — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:09:48 +0000

NYC.andre via Compfight I recently saw a documentary about heckling and criticism that made an incredible impact on me and I really started to think about how critical our society has become. It also reminded me that I need to be more aware of how I talk to people and express my opinions. When I [...]