Michael Eisner was CEO of Disney for two decades, from 1984 to 2005. His tenure was marked by exceptional growth and success for the entire Disney organization. One story about him gives us insight as to the reasons behind his remarkable success.
During Eisner’s time as head of Disney, expansion was virtually continuous. Disney was near the completion of one such expansion project at Disney World in Florida. The work was behind schedule and the completion deadline was approaching quickly. Disney had already committed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the gala opening celebration. Media coverage was international in scope for the opening of this block buster addition to the park. Lost revenue from a delayed opening would be a minor disaster for Eisner and Disney.
One morning Eisner was notified of a work stoppage over a claimed violation of union rules that had shut down one area of final construction for the expansion. This is not a problem Michael Eisner would normally involve himself in, but because of the financial costs and potential hit to Disney’s image that could result if this were not resolved quickly, he stepped in.
He asked an assistant to set up a meeting in the union construction trailer between the chief union steward and himself, and asked that two hot apple pies be delivered to the trailer as well. Eisner had a cordial visit with the union steward, and over pie learned about his background, his family and the nature of the problem causing the work stoppage. After about an hour and a half, during which time both pies were consumed, the union steward and Eisner came out of the trailer, both smiling, all disagreements resolved.
Eisner had an uncanny ability to connect in such an honest and understanding way, human to human, that characterized his success throughout his tenue as CEO at Disney. He epitomized a person possessing highly developed self-awareness, confident of his values, principles and abilities. He was equally aware of those traits in others, and as such his communication and rapport-building skills were the stuff of legend.
In addition to the success he had with the union steward regarding an important business matter, he genuinely enjoyed meeting and visiting with the man as a person with whom he could share apple pie. His success, both as a CEO and a human being, was complete. His enjoyment and satisfaction with life was obvious to all who knew him.
This is the real value of developing self-awareness. It so often leads to satisfaction in a career as well as enhanced enjoyment of life. Is not this the very pinnacle of success in living?
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