Today’s post introduces you to Ben Connelly’s book, A Field Guide for Genuine Community. The excellent subtitle of his book is the title of this post.
Here’s the big picture:
Week One: WHY Should I Even Care?
Week Two: WHO is My Spiritual Family?
Week Three: WHAT Does a Spiritual Family Do?
Week Four: WHEN and WHERE Does a Spiritual Family Interact?
Week Five: HOW do we Start?
Most of the Bible’s commands that translate into English as “you” are plural in their original language: they are written to people together, not to individuals alone.
Ben Connelly
You get all kind of “community” at church…
…so why do you feel so ALONE?
You show up at church every Sunday. You see people you know. You listen to a sermon together. And then you go home feeling just as isolated as you did before. What’s going on?
We all know that a church is supposed to be a community. The trick is to actually make it one.
Communities don’t happen by chance – certainly not in our Lone Ranger culture that values independence and individualism. A truly Christian community must be built by intentional practices that allow for deeper connections, centered on the unity that can only be found in Christ.
In A Field Guide for Genuine Community, longtime pastor and discipleship trainer Ben Connelly shows you that the biblical model for community is the family of God. In twenty-five short, practical readings, he takes you beyond the surface and helps you learn to connect with your brothers and sisters as true family members. The church isn’t meant to be a collection of strangers. God intends for you to find a unified and purposeful household where you truly belong.
Here’s the author’s brief outline of the book:
Week One (Why) dives deeper into the need for true and genuine community. Connelly considers the depth of Christian relations seen the the Bible compared to what we see today, and why we must move from façade to family.
During the first week, the focus is on opening up your home and your heart to welcome others. This involves creating a warm and inviting environment where people feel comfortable and welcomed. It can include simple gestures like hosting a casual gathering, coffee morning, or potluck dinner to encourage initial connections.
Week Two (Who) looks at the different elements of God’s Church. The author looks at realistic expectations about interactions within God’s family, from the historical and global Church to the diverse, unified Christians we interact with most regularly.
In this week, the emphasis is on building trust among community members. It involves actively listening, showing empathy, and fostering open and honest communication. Trust is the foundation of any strong community, so this week may involve activities and conversations aimed at deepening those bonds.
Week Three (What) examines various biblical commands and examples of discipleship together and helps readers apply them to their own lives and groups.
Week three is about personal growth and development within the community. This may include shared learning experiences, workshops, or discussions on topics of mutual interest. The goal is to create opportunities for community members to learn and grow together.
Week Four (When and Where) shows how the moments and places that we already interact in can be used for these kinds of relationships, even in our busy lives.
During this week, the focus shifts towards service and giving back to the community. Members are encouraged to identify ways they can contribute to the well-being of others in the group. This can involve acts of kindness, volunteering together, or supporting one another in times of need.
Week Five (How) combines the previous weeks’ content in to accessible “first steps,” while acknowledging that even the best families are messy.
The final week centers on sustainability and growth. It involves discussing how to ensure the community remains vibrant and how to expand its reach. This may include planning for future gatherings, welcoming new members, and setting goals for the continued development of the community.
These five weeks of actions aim to guide individuals and groups in the process of building and nurturing a genuine and supportive community in the context of hospitality in the home. Each week’s activities are designed to strengthen connections, trust, and shared values among community members.
Flameout: The Rise and Fall of Burger Chef by John P. McDonald is a captivating culinary tale that delves into the dramatic story of one of America’s once-prominent fast-food chains. McDonald meticulously traces the journey of Burger Chef, from its humble beginnings as a regional favorite to its eventual decline and disappearance from the fast-food landscape. Through vivid storytelling and in-depth research, he unravels the complex factors that led to the flameout of this iconic brand.
The narrative opens with a vivid portrayal of the burger-scented streets of Indianapolis in the 1950s, where Frank and Donald Thomas embarked on their fast-food venture. McDonald immerses readers in the nostalgic ambiance of the first Burger Chef restaurant, with its eye-catching “Big Shef” sandwich and cheerful service. The reader can almost taste the crispy fries and refreshing shakes, evoking memories of an era when Burger Chef was synonymous with quality and innovation.
As the book unfolds, McDonald masterfully recounts the meteoric rise of Burger Chef, its expansion into a national chain, and its pioneering marketing strategies. He paints a picture of an era when Burger Chef’s flame-broiled burgers were a symbol of wholesome family dining, and the chain’s catchy jingle echoed through television screens across the nation.
Yet, Flameout is not just a story of success but a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by the fast-food industry. McDonald explores the internal conflicts, management decisions, and changing consumer preferences that contributed to the brand’s ultimate decline. He discusses the fierce competition with industry giants like McDonald’s and Burger King, which made it increasingly difficult for Burger Chef to maintain its foothold.
Flameout: The Rise and Fall of Burger Chef is a bittersweet literary banquet that offers readers a taste of the rise and fall of an American culinary icon. John P. McDonald’s writing is akin to the fading aroma of a once-beloved dish, evoking nostalgia for a time when Burger Chef held a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many.
McDonald’s meticulous research and attention to detail shine throughout the book. He crafts a narrative that not only documents the history of Burger Chef but also provides valuable insights into the broader dynamics of the fast-food industry. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by businesses striving to compete in a rapidly evolving market.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to humanize the story, presenting the highs and lows through the perspectives of the people involved. McDonald’s portrayal of the Thomas brothers and other key figures in Burger Chef’s history adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling character-driven story.
Flameout serves as a reminder that even iconic brands can experience a fall from grace, and it prompts readers to reflect on the ever-changing culinary landscape. It’s a story of nostalgia, business strategy, and the enduring allure of the American fast-food experience.
In conclusion, Flameout: The Rise and Fall of Burger Chef is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the interplay of history, culture, and cuisine in the world of fast food. McDonald’s storytelling takes readers on a journey through time, allowing them to savor the flavors of Burger Chef’s past while contemplating the lessons it offers for the present and future of the culinary industry.
Breaking bread together has been shown to connect us deeply in ways that no other experience can. A study from the University of Oxford showed that when we eat and drink together, our bonds are strengthened, we become increasingly content, and we experience a more intensified connection to the larger community.
According to author Leonard Sweet (From Tablet to Table), if we really want to learn someone’s story, sitting down at the table and breaking bread together is the best way to start. The story of Christianity didn’t take shape behind pulpits or on altars or in books. The story of Christianity takes shape around tables, as people face one another as equals, telling stories, memories, enjoying food, with one another.
In other words, as author Hugh Halter (Happy Hour Etiquette) states, “The Gospel will not be heard until our front doors open, our tables are set, and we practice the art of hospitality, celebration, and party.”
This issue of SUMS Remix looks at solutions that will help your members learn to use their “tables” as a bridge to their neighbors. The solutions include:
Jesus ate all kinds of food around all kinds of tables in all kinds of places with all kinds of people. To be a disciple of Jesus (then and now) is to love to eat, no matter what Jesus cooks and no matter where he sets the table. Even when only two are gathered, three are always present. Wherever we break bread together, Jesus is always at the table.
We can – with a little thought, an open mind, and a willingness to try a few simple simple changes – edit our needs to their essentials, revisit and reprioritize our values, then figure out how best to go on. An inspiring guide to focusing on what matters most in life—and hitting delete on what doesn’t.
Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, Edit Your Life
Life is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can lose sight of what we care about most, and instead try to do it all – with mixed results.
In this beautiful call to examine and edit our lives, writer Elisabeth Sharp McKetta shares eight simple ways to cut through the clutter, drama, and overwhelm of modern life to live with more intention and joy. Inspired by her own experiments with reprioritizing, tiny house living, and finding the right balance of work and family time, Edit Your Life brings together personal narrative and practical takeaway, with inspiring results.
Whether you’re pivoting, downsizing, relocating, or just ready to have more time and energy for the people and activities you love most, this engaging and practical guide will bring you on a journey of exploration and reflection – and point you toward the life you truly want to live.
Editing is an act of change, involving asking questions about what something currently is and what it should be. Whether it’s a book, a relationship, a kitchen, or a parenting philosophy, the principles of editing remain the same. The term “life-edit” signifies the application of these principles to life.
Editing is a skill that helps us see things clearly and involves looking and looking again, exploring skills that transcend the specifics of individual lives. Use life-editing principles to rethink how you spend your time, regardless of the circumstances. Reflect on your own life, acknowledging that while the details may vary, everyone is striving to live a life that is worthy of them.
Life often undergoes involuntary edits due to external or internal changes, including both gain and loss. Crisis situations force people to reevaluate their lives. However, proactive life-editing is a way to take an active role in shaping one’s life around what matters most. It encourages clarity, grit, self-respect, resourcefulness, and joy in this quest.
The best time to edit is not just in response to crises but whenever one’s life feels out of alignment. Waiting to edit carries the risk of regret, as one may wish for a different life. It also leads to disengagement, reducing life to a checklist of tasks, resulting in a sense of claustrophobia and guilt for neglecting essential aspects.
Regardless of when and where you are in life, the time to edit is now, especially if you are contemplating how to make your life better.
Here are some life editing guidelines from author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, each a chapter in her book:
Examine Your Life – A framework for looking with fresh eyes at your ordinary days: to understand what your life needs to be and to edit in the right direction, without accidentally changing something that works well.
Ask: What is it? Looking closely
Ask: What could it be? Identifying the moonshot
Ask: What is needed? Claiming what’s necessary and discarding what’s not
Edit Your Life – Avenues for making lasting changes according to what feels right and true to your life today, whether you are editing for clarity and ease, for growth, or for a greater sense of abundance.
Edit for clarity: Setting guardrails with love
Edit for growth: Respecting the seasons
Edit for generosity: Adding to the green
Enjoy Your Life – Simple ways to enjoy the ordinary days and accept the exceptions: to trust that eating time is over for this particular season, and to feel content with your here and how.
Enjoy the Ordinary Days: Organizing in orbits
Accept the Exceptions: Leaving margins and keeping perspectives
Editing paves a way for you to connect deeply with yourself and the choices you have made. Editing ensures self-trust: that you will not regret the part you played in your own life.
Elisabeth Sharp McKetta
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
Burger King’s founder Jim McLamore gives us a backstage pass to the making of Burger King, an American success story and an important part of burger culture history.
Here is the “Burger King’s” own fascinating account of how he launched and built a billion-dollar empire from humble beginnings and helped change the way the world eats; how he challenged arch rival McDonald’s; the many times he nearly failed; and the surprising inspiration for the Whopper campaign that arrived just in time to save Burger King from going ketchup-side down.
McLamore is always candid, outspoken, and totally engaging – whether he is talking about the embarrassing “Herb the Nerd” campaign (the advertising fiasco that briefly replaced “Have it your way”) – or discussing his problems with Pillsbury top management after they bought Burger King.
Candid, too, is his account of the real story behind the fierce – and still ongoing – competition between Burger King and McDonalds. In remarkable contrast, you will also read the story of the warm personal relationship between McLamore and McDonald’s CEO Ray Kroc.
The Burger King is at once an endearing self-portrait of a true American original and a rare insider’s look at why America eats the way it does. It’s an epic tale of an industry giant who, through his devotion to his company and community, let billions of people “have it their way.”
Above all, it’s a story that could only be this well-told by the Burger King himself.
In the realm of fast-food royalty, one name stands out prominently, conjuring images of flame-grilled perfection and a crown-wearing monarch: Burger King. The saga of this iconic fast-food empire is brilliantly chronicled in The Burger King: Jim McLamore and the Building of an Empire by James W. McLamore, the co-founder of the brand himself. In this delectable narrative, readers are invited to savor the journey of innovation, resilience, and burger brilliance.
Picture a post-World War II America, where diners and drive-ins reigned supreme. It’s a time of burgeoning car culture, where the freedom of the open road meets the allure of a hearty, satisfying meal. Into this scene strides Jim McLamore, a man whose vision and passion for great burgers would forever change the fast-food landscape.
As you turn the pages of The Burger King, you’ll find yourself transported to the vibrant Miami of the 1950s, where Jim McLamore and his partner, David Edgerton, embarked on a culinary adventure. Their dream? To create a burger joint that would deliver not just a meal but an experience. You can almost smell the tantalizing aroma of sizzling beef patties as they describe their early experiments with the flame-grilling technique – a groundbreaking innovation that would set Burger King apart.
The book captures the spirit of entrepreneurship, from the humble beginnings of the first “Insta-Burger King” location in Miami to the eventual evolution into the renowned Burger King brand. Readers gain insights into the challenges faced by McLamore and his team as they navigated the competitive fast-food landscape.
The narrative artfully depicts the birth of the Whopper, the crown jewel of Burger King’s menu. Imagine the first bite into a flame-grilled, juicy patty topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and the signature King’s own “special sauce.” It’s a sensory experience that changed the fast-food game forever. The Burger King vividly recounts the meticulous development and launch of this iconic burger, underscoring Jim McLamore’s unwavering commitment to quality and flavor.
Jim McLamore’s vision extended beyond the food. He recognized the importance of branding and marketing in the fast-food industry. The book takes readers on a journey through the creation of the memorable “Have It Your Way” slogan, which invited customers to customize their burgers to their heart’s content. It’s as if you’re in the room with McLamore, witnessing the birth of a marketing strategy that would become a cornerstone of Burger King’s identity.
But The Burger King doesn’t shy away from the challenges and adversities faced by the brand. It recounts the ups and downs, including changes in ownership and market competition. Yet, through it all, Jim McLamore’s resilience and dedication to the Burger King vision shine brightly, a testament to his enduring commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
As you finish the book, you’ll find yourself with a newfound appreciation for the man behind the crown and the enduring legacy he left in the world of fast food. The story of The Burger King is not just about hamburgers; it’s a tale of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—a legacy that continues to captivate taste buds and hearts worldwide.
With each page turned, you’ll savor not only the flavors of a Whopper but also the enduring legacy of Jim McLamore, the man who built an empire one delicious burger at a time.
To stay eager, to connect, to find interests in the everyday, to noice what everybody else overlooks – these are vital skills and noble goals. They speak to the difference between looking and seeing, between hearing and listening, between accepting what the world presents and noticing what matters to you.
In pursuit of becoming a modern elder, I’m working on the development of foundational principles that contribute to such a journey.
The first of those was Noticing.
Modern elders are encouraged to become first-class noticers in order to make the unconscious conscious. They are encouraged to become more fully aware of themselves and others. Noticing (or “awareness”) is a key wisdom skill for making personal changes, and a foundational principle of a modern elder.
Modern elders are encouraged to use the previously mentioned skill of noticing/awareness for a “great midlife edit.” What could you edit out of your life so that you can edit in something more inspiring and purpose-filled?
The first step on that journey is realizing there is much that could be edited from this noisy world we live in.
Information overload.
You live it every day – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You’re more informed and connected than ever.
Yet, if you’re honest, you’re probably feeling more distracted than ever.
More lonely. More restless.
According to studies done by Barna Research:
71% of people feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to stay up to date.
36% of adults stop what they’re doing to check a text or message when it comes in.
35% of adults think their personal electronics sometimes separate them from other people.
Being hyperlinked changes every aspect of our lives – and often, not for the better.
This trifecta of books will look at solutions that will help you begin to understand the concepts of Editing.
THE QUICK SUMMARY
Minimalism is the art of knowing how much is just enough. Digital minimalism applies this idea to our personal technology. It’s the key to living a focused life in an increasingly noisy world.
In this timely and enlightening book, the bestselling author of Deep Work introduces a philosophy for technology use that has already improved countless lives.
Digital minimalists are all around us. They’re the calm, happy people who can hold long conversations without furtive glances at their phones. They can get lost in a good book, a woodworking project, or a leisurely morning run. They can have fun with friends and family without the obsessive urge to document the experience. They stay informed about the news of the day, but don’t feel overwhelmed by it. They don’t experience “fear of missing out” because they already know which activities provide them meaning and satisfaction.
Now, Newport gives us a name for this quiet movement, and makes a persuasive case for its urgency in our tech-saturated world. Common sense tips, like turning off notifications, or occasional rituals like observing a digital Sabbath, don’t go far enough in helping us take back control of our technological lives, and attempts to unplug completely are complicated by the demands of family, friends and work. What we need instead is a thoughtful method to decide what tools to use, for what purposes, and under what conditions.
Drawing on a diverse array of real-life examples, from Amish farmers to harried parents to Silicon Valley programmers, Newport identifies the common practices of digital minimalists and the ideas that underpin them. He shows how digital minimalists are rethinking their relationship to social media, rediscovering the pleasures of the offline world, and reconnecting with their inner selves through regular periods of solitude. He then shares strategies for integrating these practices into your life, starting with a thirty-day “digital declutter” process that has already helped thousands feel less overwhelmed and more in control.
Technology is intrinsically neither good nor bad. The key is using it to support your goals and values, rather than letting it use you. Digital Minimalism shows the way.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
While many leaders believe in the power of digital platforms, and recognize the importance of various specific applications, a growing number of those same leaders feel as though their current relationship with technology is unsustainable – to the point that if something doesn’t change soon, they will reach a breaking point.
According to author Cal Newport, people don’t succumb to screens because they’re lazy, but instead billions of dollars have been invested to make this outcome inevitable.
It seems we have stumbled backward into a digital life we didn’t sign up for.
My research on digital minimalism has revealed the existence of a loosely organized “attention resistance movement,” made up of individuals who combine high-tech tools with disciplined operating procedures to conduct surgical strikes on popular attention economy services – dropping in to extract value, and then slipping away before the attention traps set by those companies can spring shut.
The tactics below have proved successful in shunting aside relentless efforts to capture your attention.
Delete Social Media from Your Phone The smartphone versions of social media sites are much more adept at hijacking your attention than the versions accessed through a web browser on your laptop or desktop computer. Because you always have your phone with you, every occasion becomes an opportunity to check your feeds. If you’re going to use social media, stay far away from the mobile versions of these services, as they pose a significantly bigger risk to our time and attention. This practice suggests you remove all social media apps from your phone. You don’t have to quit these services, you just have to quit accessing them on the go.
Turn Your Devices Into Single-Purpose Computers The sentiment that temporarily blocking features of a general-purpose computer reduces its potential is common for tools that do just that. It’s also flawed: it represents a misunderstanding of computation and productivity that benefits the large digital attention economy conglomerates much more than the individual users that they exploit. As many have discovered, the rapid switching between different applications tends to make the human’s interaction with the computer less productive in terms of the quality and quantity of what is produced. This practice of blocking might at first seem overly aggressive, but what it’s actually doing is bringing you back closer to the ideal of sing-purpose computing that’s much more compatible with our human attention systems.
Use Social Media Like a Professional Social media professionals approach these tools differently than the average user. They seek to extract large amounts of value for their professional and (to a lesser degree) personal lives, while avoiding much of the low-value distortion these services deploy to lure users into compulsive behavior. Their disciplined professionalism, in other words, provides a great example for any digital minimalist looking to join the attention resistance. To a social media pro, the idea of endlessly surfing your feed in search of entertainment is a trap (these platforms have been designed to take more and more of your attention) – an act of being used by these services instead of using them to your own advantage.
Embrace Slow Media To embrace news media from a mind-set of slowness requires first and foremost that you focus only on the highest-quality sources. Breaking news, for example, is almost always much lower quality than the reporting that’s possible once an event has occurred and journalists have had time to process it. Similarly, consider limiting yourself to the best of the best when it comes to selecting individual writers you follow. Another important aspect of slow news is the decisions you make regarding how and when this consumption occurs. The key to embracing Slow Media is the general commitment to maximizing the quality of what you consume and the conditions under which you consume it.
Dumb Down Your Smartphone Declaring your freedom from your smartphone is probably the most serious step you can take toward embracing the attention resistance. Dumbing down your phone, of course, is a big decision. Convincing yourself that a dumb phone can satisfy your need so that its benefits outweigh its costs is not necessarily easy. Indeed, it might require a leap of faith – a commitment to test life without a smartphone to see what it’s really like.
According to author Cal Newport, if you are exhausted by your “digital device addiction,” it’s not only possible to say, “No More,” it’s actually not that hard.
Set aside some time (without your phone!) to review the following five suggestions listed above. For each, make a Pro/Con list for what it would mean to your life if you took that action.
Review the list, and make a decision to embrace at least one of the actions for the next week.
After the week has passed, reflect on what taking that action meant to you, in terms of time gained, relationships grown, etc.
Consider another action to undertake, and follow the same suggestions.
At the end of one month’s experiments, talk with your spouse or a close colleague who would have noticed the changes in your routine and its results. What do they have to say?
THE QUICK SUMMARY
Have you bought into the lie that success constantly requires more, more, and more? To achieve success, you must do more, work more hours, take on more projects, and accept more responsibilities?
If so, you’re probably experiencing a roller coaster ride of mixed results – being on top of the world one moment and crashing to earth at lightning speed the next.
The Success Lie was written for you. You recognize the gap between where you are now and your highest potential, but don’t want to sacrifice your sanity to get there. Janelle Bruland has built a formidable bridge over that gap, proving that you can be successful in the business world and maintain balance in your personal life without constantly feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
You know that everything in life is a result of the choices you’ve made, yet you’re wondering if you’re making the right choices. The proven strategies in this book will show you how to step away from the modern world’s path to success and create a life of significance – one where you are loving your work and making a positive impact.
Determine what’s truly important to you and then live by those values.
Recognize what’s gotten in the way of your success and take transformational steps to increase mindfulness, improve your skills, and become a better (and happier) version of yourself.
Discover strategies to eliminate over-work, overcommitment, and overwhelm.
Take back your life! Stop allowing societal pressures to tell you what matters. Get back on the path to fulfillment and do it your way! Reduce stress, enjoy peace of mind, and create the life you have always wanted.
Don’t buy into the lie anymore. You have the choice.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
Who doesn’t love saying “yes”? The look of gratitude or relief on the face of the person who asked lifts us up – at least in the short run.
However, the more we say “yes” to, the more we will be asked. It’s a trait of a successful person; frequent participation often brings additional asks.
High achievers are driven and want to accomplish things, and are therefore often caught up in doing more and more. However, if we aren’t careful, we will miss out on the very things that matter the most to us.
Everything you say “yes” to means saying “no” to something else.
Here are the top five items I have learned to say “no” to:
1. The opportunities that come up that I’m not completely passionate about. When we choose to participate in something, we should be excited to be involved, not doing it out of guilt or obligation.
2. The things that are not aligned with my core values and priorities. To stay true to our values, our words, behavior, and actions must be in line with our beliefs.
3. To those requests that are not in my wheelhouse. Often, we are asked to do things that truly belong on someone else’s “to do” list. Be sure to pass on those, or delegate them to a more appropriate person.
4. To the things that drain me of energy. Our time should be spent on activities that we enjoy and give us energy, not deplete it.
5. To relationships that are unhealthy. We will never be our best if we are constantly having to lift ourselves up from interactions with unsupportive or negative people. Eliminate these relationships.
To have the successful life you desire, you must be disciplined to say “no” more than you say “yes.”
Author Janelle Bruland developed the following exercise to challenge leaders to “Just Say No.” Set aside an hour of uninterrupted time to complete it. In order to focus on our top priorities, giving them all of our attention and energy, it is important to evaluate what we need to say “no” to. Evaluate yourself in the following areas:
What commitments have I made that I am not excited about? These may be things that are past their time, or that you committed to out of obligation.
Is there anything I am involved in that is not aligned with my core values and priorities? If so, they should be eliminated.
What things am I adding to my “to-do” list that are not in the area of my strengths? These items should be delegated.
What activities am I involved in that drain me of energy? These should be removed from my priority list.
Am I involved in relationships that are unhealthy? These should be carefully evaluated and repaired or eliminated.
THE QUICK SUMMARY
Are you:
• Working, working, working?
• Busy taking care of everyone but yourself?
• Wondering what to do with the rest of your life?
• Planning to do what makes you happy someday when you have more time, money, or freedom?
What if someday never happens?
Sam Horn is a woman on a mission about not waiting for SOMEDAY… and this is her manifesto. Her dad’s dream was to visit all the National Parks when he retired. He worked six to seven days a week for decades. A week into his long-delayed dream, he had a stroke.
Sam doesn’t want that to happen to you. She took her business on the road for a Year by the Water. During her travels, she asked people, “Do you like your life? Your job? If so, why? If not, why not?”
The surprising insights about what makes people happy or unhappy, what they’re doing about it (or not), and why…will inspire you to carve out time for what truly matters now, not later.
Life is much too precious to postpone. It’s time to put yourself in your own story. The good news is, there are “hacks” you can do right now to make your life more of what you want it to be. And you don’t have to be selfish, quit your job, or win the lottery to do them. Sam Horn offers actionable, practical advice in short, snappy chapters to show you how to get started on your best life now.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
According to author Sam Horn, you don’t need to quit your job, win the lottery, or walk away from your responsibilities to make your life more of what you want it to be.
There are things you can do right here, right now, to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.
There are steps you can take to make your life more fulfilling.
It’s time to hack your life by tapping into proven best practices, expedite results and discover a shortcut to success.
Make your “one day” Day One.
The Ten Life Hacks are actions you can take to create a more fulfilling life, sooner, not later. Please note: These hacks are a framework, not a formula.
LIFE HACK 1: Evaluate Your Happiness History
LIFE HACK 2: Generate a Today, Not Someday Dream
LIFE HACK 3: Abdicate Outdated Beliefs and Behaviors
LIFE HACK 4: Initiate Daily Actions that Move Your Life Forward
LIFE HACK 5: Celebrate What’s Right with Life, Right Here, Right Now
LIFE HACK 6: Affiliate with People Who Have Your Back and Front
LIFE HACK 7: Integrate Your Passion and Profession
LIFE HACK 8: Negotiate for What You Want, Need, and Deserve
According to author Sam Horn, the best way to make progress in making your “Someday” is to ask probing questions that prompt you to change – for good.
Listed below are sample questions for each of the ten Life Hacks listed above. Schedule at least thirty minutes a day for the next ten days, and reflect on the questions listed.
LIFE HACK 1: Evaluate Your Happiness History
Play hooky for a day.
How would you spend your free day or afternoon? What would you do if the people you’re responsible for would be taken care of, and there would be no repercussions?
What are three things you would not do on your day of hooky? Why?
LIFE HACK 2: Generate a Today, Not Someday Dream
Put a date on the calendar.
What would you like to experience or achieve by the end of this year? What is your Today, Not Someday dream? When will you launch it? What “do-date” did you put on your calendar?
Now, start filling in the W’s … where, when, who, what, and why. Who will you discuss this with so they can help you fill in the blanks so your dream goes from vague to vividly clear?
Where will you post your dream so it stays “in sight, in mind,” and you are constantly reinspired to do what you said you wanted to do?
LIFE HACK 3: Abdicate Outdated Beliefs and Behaviors
Let it go, let it go, let it go.
How do you feel when you walk into your home? Where would your home rate on the “Clutter (1) to Clean (10) Scale”? How does that affect you? Do you feel guilty, stressed, or frustrated with how things have piled up? Or do you feel proud and at peace with how well-designed, organized, and beautiful your space is?
How much time do you spend cleaning, repairing, buying, renovating your stuff? Is that a source of enjoyment, a burden and chore, or something in between? Explain.
Are you ready to downsize your home and/or release some belongings? How will you do that? Who else does this have an impact on? How will you negotiate this with them? What could you do with the resources that would be freed up when you have less to take care of?
LIFE HACK 4: Initiate Daily Actions that Move Your Life Forward
Honor the nudges, and connect the dots.
Do you make room for whims? Why or why not? When was a time you honored a nudge and acted on your intuition? What happened as a result?
Do you think this is a lot of hooey? Does your intellect override your instincts? Or, do you agree that if we have a sixth sense that alerts us to what’s wrong, we also have a sixth sense that alerts us to what’s right? What are your beliefs about this?
How will you honor the instincts that have your best interests at heart? How will you connect the dots, act on “coincidences” that beat the odds, and align with congruent individuals and opportunities that “feel right”?
LIFE HACK 5: Celebrate What’s Right with Life, Right Here, Right Now
Get out of your head and come to your senses.
When was the last time you saw something as if for the first or last time? Describe what happened and what it felt like.
Do you have a busy, stressful life? What is the ongoing impact of rushing, rushing, rushing— and always feeling “an hour late and a dollar short”?
Would you say you have “juice” in your camera? Do you look at the world with fresh eyes? When, where, and how will you get out of your head and come to your senses?
LIFE HACK 6: Affiliate with People Who Have Your Back and Front
Launch your ship in public.
So, what is that venture you want to launch? Who has supported you, cheered you on? What have they done to help you achieve your goal and do what’s important to you?
Who has cautioned you, told you (“for your own good”) that what you want to do won’t work or isn’t a good idea? What impact has that had on you?
How will you take your dream public and give others a chance to jump on your bandwagon? Will you create a vision board and/or host a Today, Not Someday party? Where did you post your vision so it stays “in sight, in mind”?
LIFE HACK 7: Integrate Your Passion and Profession
Don’t wait for work you love – create work you love.
Do you love your job? Do you feel you’re adding value and contributing? How so?
If you don’t find your work satisfying, why not? What talents or skills are you not having an opportunity to use or get credit for?
What are your Four I’s? How could you leverage them into a paying career where you get paid to do what you’re good at? What is your next step? Will you visit crafts fairs to see how other people have turned a passion into a profession? Elaborate.
LIFE HACK 8: Negotiate for What You Want, Need, and Deserve
If you don’t ask, the answer’s always “No.”
When is a time you asked for something you wanted – whether it was a promotion, project lead, or pay raise? How did you prepare? What was the result?
When is a time you waited for someone to “do the right thing,” act on your behalf, or give you what you deserved? As Dr. Phil would say, “How’d that work for you?”
What is a situation you’re unhappy with right now? Which of the Four A’s have you used? How will you alter the situation by using the Five P’s of Persuasion to increase the likelihood of improving this situation?
LIFE HACK 9: Innovate a Fresh Start
Quit watering dead plants.
Is the majority of your life out of your control and not to your liking? How so? Does this challenging time have a timeline? Can you “make your mind a deal it can’t refuse” so you are able to keep things in perspective?
What do you currently do to maintain a positive perspective, to have something to look forward to in bleak times? How do you stay focused on what you can control?
Are there dead plants you can stop watering? What can you quit that is compromising your quality of life? How can you innovate a fresh start if you are going through dark times to keep the light on in your eyes?
LIFE HACK 10: Relocate to Greener Pastures
Come full circle.
When was the last time you were in your hometown? What memories did it bring back? Did you reconnect with people that influenced you? Did it catalyze a new creative direction that could be a satisfying full-circle way to come home to who you truly are?
What used to light you up but now feels like it might be a retreat or regression to “go back there”? Do you worry it’s thinking small instead of thinking big? Could it actually be you’re going “home” to who you are at your core, your best self?
Do you agree that we can be “at home” wherever we are and that “home” is a mindset, not a location? Where do you feel most at home?
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment… I resent the limitations of my own imagination.
Walt Disney
There is a blueprint to The Walt Disney Company: the primacy of story, the focus on character, the thrill of adventure, the attention to placemaking, the wonders of the world around us, the magic in beautiful music, and the excitement of experimentation and innovation.
These concepts are what made Walt Disney’s creations so unique and special, and they are still the heart and soul of the stories and experiences that The Walt Disney Company produces today.
With Walt’s shining philosophy as its guiding star, The Walt Disney Company will alway be moving forward to sharing its stories, amaze it fans, and make dreams come true. Even one hundred years is just a beginning.
In the vast landscape of entertainment and creativity, few names evoke the same sense of wonder and nostalgia as the Walt Disney Company. As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, it’s a momentous occasion that calls for reflection and celebration. For a century, Disney has been a beacon of innovation and imagination, enchanting audiences of all ages with its timeless stories, beloved characters, and groundbreaking achievements.
The journey of the Walt Disney Company is not just a corporate success story; it’s a testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, this modest studio in Hollywood has grown into a global entertainment empire, touching the hearts of millions around the world. From the first synchronized sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, to the much anticipated Wish coming in November, Disney’s influence on animation, film, television, and theme parks has been nothing short of remarkable.
But the significance of Disney extends beyond its business prowess. It’s a cultural touchstone, a source of inspiration, and a cherished part of countless childhoods. It’s a place where dreams come true and where imagination knows no bounds.
In this commemorative series, we embarked on a journey through time, exploring the key milestones, innovations, and moments that have defined the Walt Disney Company’s first century. From the early beginnings that saw the birth of Mickey Mouse to the digital age of streaming and global expansion, each era of Disney’s history holds its unique charm and significance.
We examined the creative genius of Walt Disney, the resilience of the company during challenging times, and the visionary leadership that has kept the magic alive for a hundred years. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we can’t help but ponder what the future holds for Disney and how it continues to shape the world of entertainment.
As we bring our journey through the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company to a close, we are left with a profound sense of wonder and admiration for the enduring magic that this iconic company has brought to the world. From its humble beginnings in a small office on Kingswell Avenue to its current status as a global entertainment conglomerate, Disney’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
The Magic of Storytelling
At the heart of Disney’s success lies the magic of storytelling. It’s a magic that has transported us to enchanted forests, under the sea, to galaxies far, far away, and beyond. It’s a magic that has introduced us to unforgettable characters who have become a part of our lives. Disney’s commitment to storytelling excellence has transcended generations, proving that good stories are timeless.
Innovation and Adaptation
Disney’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing times has been a key driver of its success. From the introduction of synchronized sound in “Steamboat Willie” to the acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, Disney has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment. The launch of Disney+ and the streaming revolution is another testament to Disney’s willingness to embrace new technologies and platforms.
The Legacy of Imagination
The legacy of Disney is not just about the past but also about the future. It’s about inspiring generations of dreamers, creators, and innovators to believe in the power of imagination. As the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains committed to fostering creativity and investing in the talent of the future.
The Joy of Shared Experiences
Disney has always been about more than just entertainment; it’s about shared experiences. Whether it’s families coming together to watch a beloved Disney film, friends embarking on adventures in theme parks, or fans connecting over a shared love for iconic characters, Disney has created moments of joy and togetherness that are cherished for a lifetime.
The Promise of the Future
As we look to the future, the Walt Disney Company stands as a symbol of hope, inspiration, and endless possibilities. With plans for new theme park experiences, innovative content on Disney+, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Disney continues to shape the world of entertainment and storytelling.
The 100th Anniversary Celebration
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, we honor a century of creativity, innovation, and magic. Disney has been a source of joy and inspiration for millions, and its impact on the world of entertainment and popular culture is immeasurable.
So, here’s to the dreamers, the believers, and the magic-makers who have brought us a century of enchantment. Remember that the magic of Disney is not bound by time or place—it’s a timeless, ever-evolving force that continues to capture the hearts of young and old alike.
What must concern us more thoughtfully is subject matter…We must appeal to a far wider range of audience interest than ever before.
Walt Disney
In bidding farewell to this journey through Disney’s history, I eagerly anticipate the stories yet to be told, the dreams yet to be realized, and the joy yet to be shared.
Happy 100th anniversary, Disney – it’s a century worth celebrating!
Walt was alway ahead of any of us, searching for new procedures, new forms of entertainment.
Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, Animators, Disney Legends, and coauthors of The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation
Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.
Walt Disney
Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is beautiful from every angle…
…but the most interesting view is underneath.
Deep underneath Cinderella’s castle in the middle of the Magic Kingdom is a utility corridor running from Main Street Square to Fantasyland. There is also a circular corridor running around the circumference of the Magic Kingdom. Though it gives the appearance of a tunnel, and many Cast Members call it a tunnel, these long passageways are really corridors, built on ground level and then covered over with 5 million square yards of dirt and sand dredged to create all the beautiful water features you see around the park. The visible park you see is really the second story of the park – but that’s really another story.
In recent years I have spent over 100 days at Disney parks, museums, and a cruise. Because of proximity, most of that time was at Walt Disney World, with much of the time observing and talking with Cast Members and Guest Experience Managers of all four theme parks. In a one year stretch, I was able to be on Disney property 31 days! During my time onsite, there have been many stories but there is no better summary than this:
Imagine, if you will, that long central corridor described above where almost all Magic Kingdom Cast Members pass through in their work at the park. To one side of that corridor, beginning a long wall of photos, sayings, and displays of the history of Walt Disney World, is a very large, but simple poster with a picture of Walt Disney and these words:
Walt Disney’s vision for a great guest experience:
Safety, Courtesy, Show, Efficiency
In a line past that poster, you will see 4 more large posters, with a smiling Cast Member’s picture on each, with these words below:
I practice safe behaviors in everything I do
I am courteous and respectful to Guests of all ages
I stay in character and perform my role in every story
I use my time and resources wisely
Known by various terms but most often called the 4 Keys, they were a result of Walt Disney’s vision for Guest Experiences – first at Disneyland when it opened in 1955, then at the Magic Kingdom in 1971, and at every other theme park, cruise ship, and Disney organization since then.
In literally every conversation I had, the 4 Keys were mentioned – as a group, as individual stories, and how they are used as training tools.
That’s powerful.
These 4 keys are simple service standards, and they can be powerful tools in any organization – but especially in churches that want to provide an Exceptional Guest Experience.
There is power in establishing a framework of values from which everyone in your organization operates. Within that framework, you can empower team members in a way that gives them a sense of ownership and purpose. You create a consistent image across the entire organization.
Disney’s standards have stood the test of time for almost 70 years – shouldn’t you consider creating standards for your organization that will stand the test of time as well?
Yes, you should. And here’s the guide to help you do just that!
Whether they are called clients, customers, constituents, or, in Disney-speak, Guests, all organizations must better serve the people who purchase their products and services or risk losing them. Now, for the first time, one critical element of the methods behind the magic that is the Walt Disney World Resort – quality service – is revealed in Be Our Guest.
Even before Tom Peters and Bob Waterman profiled Walt Disney World Resort in their groundbreaking book In Search of Excellence, the most popular resort destination in the world enjoyed a reputation as a company that sets the benchmark for best business practices.
Be Our Guest outlines proven Disney principles and processes for helping your organization focus its vision and align its people and infrastructure into a cohesive strategy that delivers on the promise of exceptional customer service.
Five years after the publication of Imagineering in 1996, Walt Disney Studios CEO Michael Eisner had finally overcome the hesitations he had for years regarding Disney’s “insider’s secrets” – first with Imagineering, and now with the Guest Services found in the Parks and Resorts. It also marked the 15th anniversary of the Disney Institute – professional development programs delivered to organizations worldwide.
At the time of the publication of Be Our Guest in 2001 (and revised in 2011), the Disney Institute had established a significant presence in the training world for its ability to appeal to leaders in multiple industries, and to customize content into programs that uniquely connected participants to their own heritage, values, people, and guests.
And what better way to highlight the Disney Institute than to shine a spotlight on quality service?
Quality Service means exceeding your guests’ expectations and paying attention to detail.
Be Our Guest has been the invitation for people coming to a Disney theme park long before the song from “Beauty and the Beast” became a box office hit.
It underscores an important element in the Disney vocabulary, that customers are not referred to as such, but rather as Guests. In the Disney nomenclature, the word “Guest” is capitalized and treated as a formal noun.
What’s the difference between treating someone like a customer, and treating someone like a Guest?
The obvious analogy is that we do things differently when we bring Guests into our home. We clean up the house. We dress up. We prepare something special to eat. We host them. We take care of their real needs.
Disney Expects Guests
This principle has to be the starting point, the foundation on which all else is built. Everything – and I mean everything – is done with the Guest in mind. At Walt Disney World, exceeding Guest expectations is the standard call to duty for all cast members, both those “onstage” and “backstage”.
At Disney, everyone is a part of the Guest Experience team.
For years, Disney cast members talked of sprinkling “pixie dust” to create magical experiences for their Guests. There really wasn’t any pixie dust – but the pixie dust was real in that it is the show that has been created from the moment a Guest arrives on the property until they leave for home.
It’s a practical magic that occurs both onstage (whenever cast members are in public areas of the parks and in front of Guests) and backstage (when they are behind the scenes where the everyday work of operating a city devoted to entertainment is conducted).
The onstage component of practical magic is the response that it produces in Guests when everything comes together in a seamless, seemingly effortless performance. The backstage component is comprised of the nuts and bolts of creating practical magic. Practical magic is whatever it takes to exceed Guest expectations.
Superlative face-to-face service is just one element in the work of exceeding Guest expectations. It means:
Paying attention to every aspect of the Guest experience
Analyzing that experience from the Guest’s perspective
Understanding the needs and wants of the Guest
Committing every element of the business – from the design of each element of the infrastructure to the interactions between Guest and cast – to the creation of an exceptional experience for each of them
Exceeding Guests’ expectations is Disney’s service strategy, and paying attention to every detail is the tactic by which it is accomplished.
Friendly, helpful Parking Teams
Getting you from the parking lot to the park entrance
Beautifully maintained landscaping
Trash – nonexistent
Baby strollers organized and waiting for Guests
Team Leaders visible everywhere – leading by example
Personalizing and enhancing the Guest Experience
Giving a “face” to the place
Disney expects Guests – and plans to exceed their Guests’ expectations every time. What about you?
The Disney organization is perhaps the greatest practitioner of Guest Experiences around today. Books have been written about what the “cast members” at Disney do to make people feel welcome (I know – I’ve read all of them, and own most of them).
As we move into the holiday season, I’m reminded of a very special visit to Walt Disney World about this time of year. My wife and I “opened and closed” the Magic Kingdom (we were there from the opening at 8 AM to closing at midnight) including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as a part of a wedding anniversary celebration.
Once again, I was amazed at the exceptional attitude of the cast members.
Observing hundreds of Cast Members, dealing with tens of thousands of Guests, there’s only one word to describe their attitude: Magical.
So I’m sure you won’t mind if we go backstage and back in time at Disney to learn about their 7 Guest Service Guidelines – a list of actions that every Disney team member learns during their orientation.
When Disneyland opened in 1955, Disney was looking for a set of generic behaviors that ensured that cast members knew how to act courteously and respect the individuality of each Guest. Over the first ten years, the four values of Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency became the foundation from which all succeeding service standards were developed.
During the 1960s, these standards were translated into a set of behavioral actions called Guidelines for Guest Services, which became the centerpiece of training for all Disney cast members. Appropriately enough, the seven guidelines were personalized with the characters from the seven Dwarfs:
7 Guidelines for Guest Services
Make eye contact and smile
Greet and welcome each and every Guest
Seek out Guest contact
Provide immediate service recovery
Display appropriate body language at all times
Preserve the “magical” Guest Experience
Thank each and every Guest
These seven phrases serve a variety of purposes. First, they define behavior in terms of Guests. They also communicate cast member responsibilities. Finally, they showcase ways to customize service to individual Guests.
Even though these Guidelines don’t exist in this form anymore, my experiences over the years reminded me that the spirit of the Guidelines are very much in practice by cast members today.
Your organization probably won’t have tens of thousands of people coming through your doors every day – but the principles Disney uses as a baseline starting point for training its Cast Members are appropriate your use.
I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park. I want them to feel like they’re in another world.
To make the dream of Disneyland come true took the combined skills and talents of hundreds of artisans, carpenters, engineers, scientists, and craftsmen. The dream they built now becomes your heritage. It is you who will make Disneyland truly a magic kingdom and a happy place for the millions of guests who will visit us now in the future.
Walt Disney, to Disneyland Cast Members in 1955
In 2017, I was able to be at Walt Disney World for 31 days – most time spent in the parks and resorts in any calendar year of my long history there.
Thanks to the unexpected generosity of two of my kids, my 2016 Annual Pass was renewed for 2017. That, coupled with a lot of client work in the Central Florida area, was all I needed to have an amazing year of yes, magical, experiences.
Let me unpack this a little: I don’t do attractions that have motion to them (vertigo). Most of those days were solo trips (though I did have some very special time with my wife in April, and my wife and daughter in November). On a few of those days I would drop in for just a few hours – maybe during the evening hours for a single show and a meal. On most of the days, it was a full day experience including a stay in one of the Resorts. On one particular day, I spent almost 20 hours at the Magic Kingdom, beginning with a 5:45 a.m. visit with the Parking Lot Cast Members, and ending at 2 a.m. the next day closing the park out.
As one of my friends put it, “Why?”
Simply put, I am always amazed by the Cast Members as they fulfill Walt Disney’s dream referenced above for Disneyland, and by extension, to all Disney endeavors the world over.
A picture is worth a thousand words:
Start with the image on the left: the Cast Member is smiling at the large crowd headed her way. But as you look at the next two images on the upper right, she is looking downward – seemingly away from the crowd approaching her. As the final image shows in the lower right, her focus all along has been on children right in front of her, but masked by the crowd from my initial viewpoint.
Boom.
The 31 days at Walt Disney World provided me with dozens of conversations with current and former Cast Members just like this. I was able to spend hours just watching interactions between Cast Members and Guests. I photographed thousands of “moments” that tell stories. Whether an hour or a day, my time at Walt Disney World provided an immersion into the excellence of Disney’s Cast Members when it comes to interactions with Guests.
Here are just a few personal stories from my Disney visits that would illustrate this takeaway:
The very helpful Cast Members who helped with my Backstage Magic tour arrangements
Cast Members at the parking lot ticket booth and in the parking lots who understood I was just being dropped off for the day
Bob, the Security Team member who told me I was in for a good day
Wayne and Ernesto, our Disney Institute tour guides, who were knowledgeable and passionate about all things Disney
The funny and loud Cast Members of the Whispering Canyons restaurant, who fed and entertained us at the same time
Cast Members who smiled and greeted us backstage and onstage all day
I could go on and on, but maybe the best story is one from the past:
courtesy Disney Imagineering
In 1978, Disney announced it was opening another part of Walt Disney World in 1982. Not just a new section – this was Epcot, one of Walt Disney’s original dreams for Disney World. And the opening was specific: October 1, 1982.
At the time, Epcot was the largest construction project in the world. Most of the people working on the project did not work for Disney; they worked for all the contractors and subcontractors all over the country.
What Disney decided to do was to make these workers feel as though they were part of the Disney family – to get them to identify with Epcot even though they weren’t actually part of the Disney organization. Here’s how they did it:
They closed down the job site one Sunday a month for over a year. Keep in mind that this was the world’s biggest construction project, moving toward a rock-solid deadline that had been announced almost four years in advance. To shut the place down one day a month was a big deal.
Disney brought in several big circus tents and set the up in what was eventually to be the Epcot parking lot. Food service went in one of the tents – hot dogs, hamburgers, and the whole works – a picnic.
In another tent, the Disney Imagineers created a miniature Epcot: the ground was sculpted to show where the land and water would be; photographs of the work were posted; artists’ renderings showed what the completed project would look like. Everything was kept up-to-date for over a year.
On that one Sunday a month, the project was shut down, and all the construction workers and their families were invited to enjoy the picnic and look around. They would enjoy the food and see what their Dad or Mom was doing.
Disney continued this for over a year so the families could watch it grow and the workers could see what they were creating – not just the big picture, but where their piece happened to fit into the big picture.
This went on all the way through the construction cycle until Epcot opened. The $1.2 billion project came in on time and on budget, with very few snags. This was in part thanks to thousands of people who were not Cast Members, and had little motivation to do so. Disney wasn’t writing their checks; they weren’t giving them benefits. They couldn’t do the traditional things that you normally do to keep employees happy.
Instead, they treated them like Cast Members. And it worked. At the grand celebration of the opening of Epcot, there was a huge celebration with thousands of people attending – most of them the construction workers and their families.
When a rough-necked iron worker is seen wearing mouse ears, you know he understands the dream.
Don’t you love the surprise of getting something extra when you least expect it?
Disney’s Custodial Cast Members are some of my most favorite Cast Members to observe as they go about their role. It’s a very important role, far more than you might think. The Custodial Cast Member is much more than a “janitor” or a “street sweeper.” They are independent for the most part – meaning they have the freedom to move around in different sections of the parks because of their white costumes don’t clash with any theming. They receive extra training because of their visibility and accessibility. Their official title is Custodial Guest Services Cast Member for a reason – their very visible presence in all the parks allows them to answer guest questions, make personal connections, and create artwork…
Wait a minute – create artwork?
That’s what I said! In addition to upholding Walt Disney’s vision for keeping the parks clean for guests, members of the custodial team can also become water artists.
Custodial Cast Members can sign up for a class where they learn to draw various Disney characters with their pan, broom, and a little water.
Not to be outdone, on a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom I even saw a few regular Cast Members practicing a little art magic with masking tape.
Lee Cockerell, former executive vice president of operations at Walt Disney World Resorts, talks about this in his book The Customer Rules:
With a little bit of imagination, you too can delight customers by giving them a little extra when they least expect it. They’ll surprise you in turn by coming back early and often and by singing your praises to others.
That’s right – some of the best comments and thanks from Guests go to the Custodial teams. That speaks so powerfully to the culture at Disney.
Now for a tough question – think of the “least desirable role” in your organization. Do those team members have the same passion and culture exhibited by the Custodial Cast Members at Disney?
We train them to be aware that they’re there mainly to help the guest.
From blue sky ideation, to pencil on paper, to digital models, to plaster and paint, Imagineers build dreams. They never say “never,” and the sky is not the limit. That quest has created a new art form and a new kind of artist, one whose canvas is the world itself and whose tools are whatever it takes to turn that world into a fantastic, enveloping story.
Leslie Iwerks, “The Imagineering Story”
The books in my Disney library are a valuable resource for my ongoing quest in learning the story of Walt Disney and the “kingdoms” he created; kingdoms that continue to expand in the 57 years since his passing.
But even books have limitations…
You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world…but it requires people to make the dream a reality.
Walt Disney
Over the years I have been fortunate to make friends among Disney Cast Members, both current and past. A handful of those friends have been Imagineers, and as you may imagine, they are amazing storytellers, creative geniuses, and innovative to the core.
So…learning more about Imagineering? Sign me up – literally!
When the news that a new steaming service called Disney+ was coming in the fall of 2019, I was delighted – so much, that I signed up for a 3-year subscription as soon as they became available.
When the initial programming schedule was released, and included the 6-part series “The Imagineering Story,” I was ecstatic – it was among the first programs I watched on the new service.
When the book The Imagineering Story was announced, I was literally stopped what I was doing and pre-ordered the book.
There’s really no secret about our approach. We keep moving forward – opening new doors and doing new things – because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We’re always exploring and experimenting…we call it Imagineering – the blending of creative imaginational and technical know-how.
The book goes deep into the personalities, stories, and adventures of the men and women who brought create magic around the world.
More than just the theme parks (though that would have been awesome enough), every resort hotel, shop and business setting, cruise ship, and entertainment setting exists largely through the men and women of Disney Imagineering.
The Imagineering Story greatly expands the award-winning filmmaker Leslie Iwerks’ narrative of the fascinating history of Walt Disney Imagineering.
The entire legacy of Walt Disney Imagineering is covered from day one through future projects with never-before-seen access and insights from people both on the inside and on the outside. So many stories and details were left on the cutting room floor for the series – this book allows an expanded exploration of the magic of Imagineering.
Every one of the 731 pages was filled with stories that brought the Disney Experience alive.
The experience of Disney – primarily in the theme parks, but now expanded to other resorts, retail shops, and cruise ships – can be traced back to Walt Disney. His untimely death in 1966 could have left a void in the creativity of the Disney empire.
But I believe his greatest act of genius had its origins in 1952, as he began to pull together veterans of film and animation work for a special project that came to be known as Disneyland.
That group of versatile animators and art directors was the foundation of a group that came to be called the Imagineers.
Out of this group, Disney historian Tim Hauser reflects, “came the theories, aesthetics, design, and engineering of Disneyland; the advancement of three-dimensional storytelling; the development of robotic techniques in Audio-Animatronics; and the perpetuation of an ‘architecture of reassurance’ as inspired by Walt Disney’s personal sense of optimistic futurism.”
Today Walt Disney Imagineering remains the design, development, and master-planning branch of company, with over 140 disciplines working toward the common goal of great stories and creating great places.
Walt Disney wanted Disneyland to be essentially a movie that allows you to walk in and join in the fun. Imagineers – many whom had worked with Walt Disney since the 1930s – literally brought those movies to life with their multiple disciplines. He knew from his filmmaking experience that story was everything to the audience. Disney knew he must immerse the theme park guest in living storytelling scenarios.
Designing the Guest’s experience is what Walt Disney’s Imagineers came to call “the art of the show,” a term that applies to what the Imagineers did at every level, from the broadest conceptual outlines to the smallest details, encompassing visual storytelling, characters, and the use of color.
Walt Disney realized that a visit to an amusement park could be like a theatrical experience – in a word, a show. Walt saw that the Guests’ sense of progressing through a narrative, of living out a story told visually, could link together the great variety of attractions he envisioned for his new kind of park. While traveling through their stories, Guests would encounter, and even interact with, their favorite Disney characters, and who would be transformed, as if by magic, from their two-dimensional film existence into this special three-dimensional story world.
As designers, the Imagineers create spaces – guided experiences that take place in carefully structured environments, allowing the Guests to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste in new ways. In effect, Imagineers transform a space into a story place.
Ultimately, the Imagineers gave Guests a place to play, something Walt believed that adults needed as much as children. The design of the Imagineers gives power to the Guests’ imagination, to transcend their everyday routine. Walt Disney insisted that Guests should “feel better because of” their experiences in Disney theme parks, thus establishing the art of the show.
For the Imagineers, that meant considering everything within and relating to the parks as design elements. To build effective story environments and assure Guest comfort, the designers realize that they always had to assume the Guests’ position and point of view, and just as Walt did, to take the Guests’ interests to heart and defend them when others didn’t think it mattered.
It is up to the designers to provide Guests with the appropriate sensory information that makes each story environment convincing. This means that design considerations go beyond the attractions themselves to the service and operations staff, transportation, restaurants, shops, rest rooms – even the trash cans.
Everything Begins With a Story
Storytelling has played a vital role in our survival – allowing us to share information, knowledge, and values from generation to generation. Story is the medium through which we receive our early learning as to right and wrong, good versus evil, reward and punishment, social values, etc.
We respond to storytelling. It engages our attention; no matter how old we get, who doesn’t love a good story?
Understanding this, Walt Disney utilized a technique in the early days of his cartoon films that helped illustrate the flow and continuity of stories – the storyboard.
Storyboards are tools that allowed Walt and his artists to envision a film prior to production. It allowed his team to have a shared vision of the story they were telling and how it would unfold. As a bonus to driving the creative development, it also offered a cost-effective way to experiment with a film early on, so that when production began, costs could be minimized.
Decades later, the tradition of storyboards continues on, though it has long expanded past just films. At Walt Disney Imagineering, rides, shows, and films for Disney’s theme parks around the world are the objects of regular storyboarding.
For each ride, show, or attraction, a logical story sequence is created. Almost every aspect of a project is broken sown into progressive seen sketches, called storyboard panels, that reflect the beginning, middle, and end of a Guest’s park experience.
The boards are eventually covered with every written thought, idea, and rough sketch the Imagineers can come up with.
Starting with brainstorm sessions, the Imagineer’s first thoughts, ideas, images, and feelings about the story they are creating are captured on note cards and quick sketches. For example, here’s an early sketch of Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life:
courtesy Disney Imagineering
The beauty of the Tree is matched by its engineering marvels as well. It is a massive structure, towering 145 feet into the air with a full canopy of natural-looking leaves, enclosing a 420-seat theater and meeting all building codes, including withstanding 145 mph winds. The engineering feats accomplished, it was time for the Imagineering team of sculptors to create the magnificent bark of the tree – which is actually representations of animals. That process alone took almost a full year.
courtesy Orlando Sentinel
One of the most amazing pieces of art ever created by Disney’s Imagineers, it is beautiful and meaningful, and captures the essence of Animal Kingdom at a glance. It’s a poetic statement of the majesty of nature, the stunning diversity of animals, and our respect for our place in the world. As you approach the tree and the animal forms begin to reveal themselves, it becomes clear that there is almost no tree at all. That tree is the animal kingdom.
The experience of viewing the Tree of Life is like looking for animals in the clouds. The longer you look, the more you see – maybe even all 325 of them! This effect is the result of very careful planning during the design phase with the use of storyboards.
The storyboards are worked, re-worked, rearranged, and edited until the story is strong and clear. Only then will production proceed – with stunning results:
At Walt Disney Imagineering, everything they do revolves around the story – and storyboards have remained an essential tool in helping them tell the story.
That is the power of story – it is an experience that enables us to escape to another world, to be captivated and be in the moment.
The secret to Disney magic that the Imagineers bring to life is in the story!
Recently celebrating their 70th anniversary, the Imagineers have delivered – time and time again. To date, the Imagineers have built twelve theme parks; dozens of resort hotels; 5 cruise ships with two more under construction; 2 water parks; and ongoing development in existing parks and Disney properties around the world.
The Imagineers bring the Disney magic alive.
The Imagineering Story brings the Imagineers to life.
I have a hard time ranking the books in my Disney library – but The Imagineering Story is going to be in my all-time Top Ten from now on, and a highly-recommended book for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the creative genius (and occasionally weirdness) of that special and unique blend of artists and engineers who took the dreams of one man, Walt Disney, and brought them to life.
Walt was a storyteller above all. Walt didn’t write the stories but he envisioned them. He told stories better than anyone else around and he got the people around him to turn his stories into movies and theme park attractions.
27gen.com 