Last week we kicked off a series of lessons I learned from the Disney Institute.  This week is about employee engagement and pixie dust.

During our session with the Disney Institute, we spent time talking about creating that Disney magic (more on that in future blogs) and how it requires buy-in and effort from employees at all levels of the organization.  One of my colleagues raised their hand and asked a question along the lines of this, “It seems that everyone across industries is struggling with having the right talent and things like quiet quitting and employee engagement.  I’d assume that you need to have engaged employees to create this Disney magic, so how does Disney handle challenges with employee engagement?”  The facilitator responded with, “That’s a good question.  The first thing to acknowledge is that everyone loses their pixie dust from time to time.  No one is 100% dedicated and on track all the time.  When someone loses their pixie dust, they need to pause to figure out what it is they need.  Also, it’s the job of their leader to step in to see what they need to get going again.  It’s not easy.  It requires intentional attention.”

How does this connect with anything?  While I’d like to think that I’m filled with magic on most days, I’d be lying if I told you that I come into work every single day on fire with purpose and passion.  I’d be lying if I told you that I was actively engaged every second of every single day over my 15-year career.  Sometimes, I lose my pixie dust.  Do you?  I’ve learned over time that it’s easy to beat yourself up when you lose your pixie dust, but it doesn’t help.  What has helped me is taking the time to figure out why my pixie dust is gone.  Maybe, I’m having a difficult time outside of work, and what I need is some grace and understanding.  Maybe, I’m dealing with a process that is sucking out my soul (sound familiar?), and I need leadership to help us alter or remove this process.  Maybe, I’m burned out, and I need to do something to help myself recharge.  Maybe, I’ve lost my connection with my purpose, and I need to find that again.  The bottom line is, that losing pixie dust doesn’t make you bad.  It means you’re human.  The best leaders I’ve ever worked for are the ones who understand this.  The best leaders I’ve ever worked for help me find my pixie dust when it’s missing.

The challenge: Do a check-in.  How are your pixie dust levels?  As a leader, what do your people need to help them find their pixie dust when it’s lost?

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry