99: How to Build Phenomenal Employees (Lessons from Magic Kingdom)

A few weeks ago, I spent a long weekend at Disney World with my family. Say what you will about Disney corporate, but they still provide a remarkable theme park experience. And it is the Disney team members (aka Cast Members) that are primarily responsible for that experience.

How does Disney do it? How do they consistently employ individuals from every age demographic and turn them into phenomenal employees?

Here are the seven insights I gained after spending several days on property and a few late nights scouring the internet for what makes Disney so special. I talk about each of them in this week's episode.

1. Have the world's best product.

2. Create a pristine, well kept, beautiful, and fun place to work.

3. Use a selective hiring process.

4. Bring happiness to others to ensure everyone wants to be there.

5. Instill a sense of belonging and confidence through on-boarding and training.

6. Instill core values and talk about them incessantly.

7. Provide training specifically around having fun with customers.