I was just thinking about that rock song "I Need a Hero". I cannot remember which female singer actually performed it tho. LOL
A few of us at work have been talking A LOT about things. Things like "You don't HAVE to work at Disney" and other demoralizing comments being made by people that should be supporting Cast at WDW.
One thing we agree about is Cast could sure use Dick Nunis or Lee Cockrell back at WDW. You know that Lee was VERY pro-Cast. He even had a talk on tape that asked managers to think about "How would you treat your Cast if you knew that there was not one more person available to hire for WDW?" It ran along the lines of working with people ..treating them so they wanted to be at Disney, that you retained people, and how happy Cast will make your business so much better.
Ironically, Lee moved on to Starwood...and sells books based on his philosophy that he started publishing in the Main Street Diary. I loved those Diary editions -- and have read many, over and over again.
George came back to WDW and for those who know George or just know of George, we were thrilled. But George has been scarce. I know George came out to MK for the recent non-parade of UCF's football team. Why? Well cause the big wigs all ran out to make sure that George was kept company during the event.
Now, Tom Skaggs is another big wig that we were excited about having in place. Tom does make some trips from CA to WDW since he took his position. Funny, the admin types make sure that every step Tom makes in the park is very carefully choreographed. I know that one park even had a few custodial coordinators who cleaned up especially for Tom and his group keeping just ahead of his group as they 'guided' him through the park.
Of course, cast wanted Tom to see the real version of the park as he walked through but well, I guess the admin types realized that Tom seeing the actual condition of the park and its visitors might not be a good idea.
I have heard that Tom has managed to escape his "handlers" a couple of times and walked the parks on his own. This of course if much to the dismay of those same admin types.
You may notice that I have not used the term "leader". Frankly, I have not seen a true leader in a long time.
When you have worked for people like Lee Cockrell, you know what a leader is..and he set a very high standard.
One well placed LEADER could change this place into what it should be for cast and guests. Don't believe me? Then I direct you to when Lee came to WDW under Al Weiss. Lee and Al together were change agents. They led by example. And Lee's work ethic of rolling up his sleeves and working side by side with front line Cast set a tone. He LED...he was a LEADER...and he was our HERO.
Well, WDW is in a downward spiral. The old timers say that they have not seen morale this low since before Frank Wells and Michael Eisner started running the show. Yes, I loath Eisner, but Frank Wells managed to keep him in check. They pumped money and resources into the parks and resorts. They got us the attractions, resorts, and operating capital to put the tools in the front line Cast Members hands to do our job.
Even before them, there was a campaign for Cast .... a few slogans come to mind.
Garbage cans backstage with "Show Your Pride...It's YOUR World Too".
Bumper stickers saying "Follow Me to the Best Job in the World"
And another saying comes to mind "Lead....Follow....Or Get out of my Way". Unfortunately, the micro managing philosophy most managers have will not permit front line Cast to show the way (follow) or take ownership (Get Out of my Way) so we must wait for SOMEONE to LEAD.
SOMEONE who is not intimidated by smarter Cast.
SOMEONE who really lets you take OWNERSHIP.
SOMEONE who can break through the levels of red tape and miniature KINGDOMS that divide us as a whole.
SOMEONE who can EMPOWER the CAST.
SOMEONE who can help us get our PRIDE back.
SOMEONE who has read the inscription on the "Casting Agency" door on Main Street -- and truly believes what it says.
That SOMEONE will be our HERO.
Anybody have an ideas on how we can make this happen?
mapo
and only a few people knew the situation too, they were good with privacy too. I though it was just going to be a slap on the wrist, but the manager was told if this ever happens again, you'll get fired.
