• 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
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,326 ratings)

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Creating Magic  By  cover art

Creating Magic

By: Lee Cockerell
Narrated by: Lee Cockerell
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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

    What listeners say about Creating Magic

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars

    Brilliant, simple, lessons on leadership

    I have gorged myself on business books in the last year. This was hands down one of the best. It applies to many areas of life even outside the office. From the newest 'rookie' at a company to the CEO, this has countless rules which can be absorbed and used the moment they are learned. No one argues that Disney has phenomenal customer service. This is a great guide, from an authoritative source on how to relate those practices to your own business and the benefits they will reap.

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    6 people found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    the most impactful book I have read on leadership!

    This is the best book I have read on leadership! He gives examples, and action plans versus empty concepts.

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    2 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    WOW

    This is one of the absolute best listens I have had on audible. I have read and listened to at least a 100 different leadership/managerial books. Some of what Lee offers is stuff I have heard before, but in a practice application that you know exists in that business. Therefore it is and was a complete treat to listen too.

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    2 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars

    Full of valuable content!

    The most fulfilling leadership audio I have ever listened to. Lee breaks the steps down and gives real examples, constantly giving me something to live up to. I bought this book for leadership roles in community service. Though he talks about CEO's and managers, I found it very easy to apply the basic principles to every day life in my small town. The reader is authentic and his voice soothing and inspiring. I will listen to this time and time again.

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    2 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      4 out of 5 stars
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      4 out of 5 stars
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      4 out of 5 stars

    Great book

    The information is great it just feels kind
    Of repetitive. Overall a great read though

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    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      2 out of 5 stars
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      3 out of 5 stars
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      1 out of 5 stars

    boring and predictable formulaic in substance

    Great if you like falling asleep to Lee's slow southern accent drone on. Listen especially for the way he pronounces years. this book was barely relevant in "two oh oh four" let alone 2017.

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    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      3 out of 5 stars

    Enjoyable, not much new

    Lee Cockerell is at his best when talking about some key themes, telling personal stories and giving Disney examples. Experienced managers may not get much new out of this - take care of your people, keep learning, know the details, trust your employees - but the stories are enjoyable.

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    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars

    Great Book

    Everyone should listen to this. It show why Disney is Disney and what every person can learn from them

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    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      4 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    lots of great stuff

    great insights on leadership and management skills - real life anecdotes that are relevant to all businesses

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Promise then Practice

    I found this book extremely insightful on broad and specific leadership practices. I grew up in a Disney family and now work in customer service. I want to bring this level of care to my job.

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