Page 10 - Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company

Foreword

I
can still remember the feeling of excitement that came over me every
Sunday evening—the great anticipation of getting my grilled cheese
sandwich and tomato soup on a TV tray and awaiting the start of my
favorite show.
Then, on the screen it would begin. The beautiful castle would appear,
Tinker Bell would wave her wand and the “pixie dust” would drop, and the
“Wonderful World of Disney” would begin. Wow! All those feelings come
back like it was just last night. For me, that was over 40 years ago, but that
feeling still excites me every time I have a Disney experience.
What is the magic? Part of me wants to know, while the other part of
me just wants to keep on experiencing it, like wanting and not wanting to
know how a magic trick is performed. Bill and Lynn have cracked open the
curtain so we can all have access to some of the insights into the Wonderful
World of Disney.
It was the Disney standard of imagination and engagement that inspired
me so many years ago, and with that “pixie dust” in my heart I discovered
the FISH! Philosophy, a group of daily practices that reflects the ideals Walt
Disney shared with the world. Now, Bill and Lynn bring these ideals and
practices into practical use, with something for any dreamer to use.
We have all heard of the Disney secrets: customers are called “guests”; theme
parks are called the “show”; and behind the scenes is called “backstage.” But the
real magic that Bill and Lynn share with us is Walt’s underlying philosophy of
“I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute
my vision to make those dreams come true: Dream, Believe, Dare, Do.”

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