«Great rewards await those, who chose noble and arduous way, but the rewards become evident only after years. And each of these choices is made to the touch, without any guarantees from the world that surrounds you…». I read these lines a long time ago in Richard Bach`s book, they are reflected in this essay.
Usually when people bring to the world something truly important and valuable for them, they do not think about the direct and immediate benefit. First of all they dream that other people can use qualitative cars, but not to establish the largest automobile company in Japan, like Sakichi Tayoda did. They dream that each family can have a PC on their table, but not to become «Bill Gates- the richest person in the world». Finally, these people dream to create a wonderful world of animated cartoons, giving joy to millions of people around the world. And achieving the success they become legends, the guru of the business, people who change this world to the better.
One of the most celebrated and successful lessons of how to make a child`s reality, creating a wonderful world of cartoons and a fairy land of entertainment, joy and happiness, gave to the world one irrepressible American, a child in the soul till the last day, the famous creator of the media empire «The Walt Disney Company» Walt Disney. His whole life became later the story of business success, his actions – business lessons which he unwittingly told the world. Today these lessons can be compared with the rules of modern management.
Be observant, remain steadfast, keep assertiveness, and stay undaunted. These four traits Disney had been cultivating throughout his whole life and career. They subsequently joined the collection of the necessary qualities of a modern leader and manager. However, these four «golden rules of a businessman`s behavior» were formulated by Disney much later, after years of work and business experience. Which, incidentally, he had gathered from his earliest years, working tirelessly for the good of his family. Later, Walt Disney brought the first rule of business and life:
«Unhappy childhood does not kill». In spite of all difficulties and setbacks, it is necessary to continue to believe, to dream and, of course, to do. Walt Disney managed to keep the spirit of dreamer, in spite of the harsh reality of his childhood. In this way, he reiterated his insistence on the rule and fearlessness.
«Never fall in love with money! ». It is strongly taught the founder of the world of animation, the millionaire, who, according to people around them, was «bored just earning money». Disney met a lot of difficulties on his way, including financial problems. However, neither during his work of draftsman of horses for $ 50 per month nor after his first earned million, Disney did not put the money issue at the forefront. He was interested in money only when he needed it for work. «The biggest prob-lem in business - money! Yes, I need a lot of money to pursue my dreams. For example, our company needed $ 17 million to open its first Disneyland. We laid everything back, but got much more. A businessman, a farmer must first bury something in the ground if he wants it to grow. Therefore, don`t fall in love with money, find and use it to implement your goals».
As the founder of modern cartoon industry, Disney did not go along the beaten road, but blazed his way. In addition, one of the keys to his success, that he always followed correct and timely using of new technologies. «Technological progress gives us benefits, so why don`t use them! ». With these words, Disney underpinned his next rule: «Use reasonable and timely the new technologies». In the middle of 1920s. to take advantage of his direct competitor - «New York shop of Max and Dave Fleischer» Disney first used sound technology in his cartoons about Mickey Mouse, the third story about Mickey was voiced, by the voice of Disney.
Walt Disney knew a lot about the management of his company, building the corporate culture the way he needed. In particular, he always gave his work himself, without sparing any effort and energy. And he awaited and demanded the same from his subordinates. He demanded unquestioning and absolute professionalism at work. But the atmosphere in his company has always been free from all formalities and restrictions, the most simple and convenient for the employees. Disney, as he admitted himself, «encouraged pranks», because they served as inspiration when creating a magical world. «Demand perfection, but play loose!» - the next lesson from Walt Disney.
Success awaits those who create, guided and «consulting» with the outside world. Disney thought so, as he worked, constantly improving his professionalism. When Walt Disney decided to create a feature-length cartoon «White Snow and the Seven Dwarfs», he earnestly went to work, sending his employees «to consult with the outside world», or rather, sent to classes in acting, fine arts and even to classes in motivation and gravity. «Borrow from the outside» - it is quite possible that this is a strategy promoted in the future success of the animated film «Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs».
Whatever happened to the way Walt Disney's business, he always found the strength to fix it, restore or improve. "I don`t know what is bad mood, I am a happy man!" – we can only envy these words of the great animator. The secret was, according to him, that he always managed to recover himself, lift and get to move on. It was not easy, neither in 8 years, working from early morning for the good of the family nor after a strike at his company, when it seemed that all was over. «When you still see your dream, and you know, at least in theory, how it can be done, you get up and go further, no matter what happens ....». «Reinvent yourself, when it is necessary, whatever happens».
Walt Disney contributed one more interesting aspect in modern management – his special way of thinking and business viewing: Dreamer, Worker, and Critic.
«Dreamer phase» focuses on the dreamer's imagination, on seeking opportunities in the future. This way of thinking and business viewing is not related to any restrictions, conditions and evaluations. It is basically a visual way to the synthesis of the sounds and sensations. Disney really visualized symphonic music, giving it the shape, using music as a key to its dominant visual modality.
«Worker phase» is associated with the «how» to implement plans, as issued by the dreamer can enforce and implement. In it, we do not appreciate and do not criticize them, and explore alternative ways to implement the dream the dreamer. To be an effective practitioner, most importantly, be able to get involved in different roles, take multiple perspectives on the subtle details of the dream the dreamer. In this regard, may be useful to apply the physiology of each role.
«Anatomist phase» is a period of logic and consequences. Critic seeks problems with the scope of «what if» questions. In order to effectively criticize the work of a dreamer and practice, criticism should be sufficiently detached from the situation. Critic is busy, trying to get it all right. All must be done, without any discrepancies and unfinished business.
This type of thinking and business running was mentioned as a leader`s one. The Walt Disney Company uses this technic to this day, showing the world how to run successfully such a huge business empire.
With all the ideas, business lessons, Walt Disney has confirmed his «four gold qualities, traits or skills necessary for businessman». He remained fearless in his not easy childhood, keptsteadfastness, tested money, was observant, when sought out and introduced new technology into his business. And, of course, Disney has always been insistent in doing business on the road to success, to implement his big childhood dream. When Disney was suggested, in addition to his business, to become a mayor of Los Angeles, he replied, with the indispensable vigor and buffoonery: «Why? I am already the king!». And he was absolutely right; he became the king of animation, the lord of Fairyland Disneyland, and of course the Mouse King!
References
1. Disney, Walt, «The Triumph of the American Imagination», 851 p., p. 169-230;
2. Disney Miller, Diane: «The Story of Walt Disney», Holt; 1957, p. 57-90;
3. Hammontree, Marie: «Walt Disney, Young Movie Maker», 1997, p.60-86;
4. www.disney.com |
