Lessons from Disney

I met with a friend over the weekend, she was having some issues with an employee and asked for some advice. I haven’t managed in a while so put my manager hat on and started talking Disney.

My friend, of course, said where are you going with this?? If you know me at all you know I can draw any reference out of a Disney movie. Even from some of my least favorites.

I happened to just see the new live-action Pinocchio with my children and found myself realizing the parallels between this children’s movie and management philosophies.

It’s been years since I have seen this movie (and side note, Tom Hanks was amazing), but within it were some key takeaways.

The song, “I’ve got no strings” really struck me.

I've got no strings

To hold me down

To make me fret

Or make me frown

I had strings

But now I'm free

There are no strings on me

No one is truly trained to become a manager. Typically you have just worked your way up and at some point you find yourself responsible for a team. At that point it’s sink or swim? Right?! Cut the strings?

I was lucky enough to have leaders who understood that and provided training and resources to develop its managers and I will say that is some of the most valuable training I have received.

Geppetto provided Pinocchio with boundaries and direction but it was ultimately up to Pinocchio to guide himself.

Pinocchio found himself in a bind more than once but was able to navigate these situations on his own (I mean even his poor Jiminy Cricket couldn’t keep up), knowing that Geppetto was still there.

Too often we forget that the best way to manage is to not manage but to simply be. We don’t need all the strings in leadership. We should question and not assume, listen more and speak less, coach and not dictate, and be a resource when asked.

Though Pinocchio made many avoidable mistakes he learned valuable lessons along the way. I believe that there are many lessons around us all. Some are more blatant than others, but there nonetheless. I just happened to find mine in Disney movies.

And, even in the end, Pinocchio saved Geppetto. Imagine that…