There’s this story about Walt Disney, told by retired Imagineer Wally Crump in his book It's Kind of a Cute Story. It’s not just a cute story. It's important because it provides a Disney inspired insight into a best business practice.

The story Rolly told was about a meeting he attended with Walt and Disneyland park staff. The director of merchandise, who we will call Tom Bechman for purposes of this story, wanted to set up tee shirt sales locations all around Disneyland.

Walt Disney was not a fan of the idea, said he would not allow it, and moved on to the next item of business.

The director of merchandise brought it up again, explaining emphatically why it would generate profits.

Walt again, and more forcefully, said, “No.”

Still insistent, the merchandiser made what was, when dealing with Walt Disney, a critical mistake. He brought up the idea a third time. But with Walt Disney, it was “third strikes” and out. 

Walt glared at the man and, addressing him by his last name (a serious matter in the first name culture of the Mouse House), said “MR. BECHMAN, THE TAIL DOES NOT WAG THE DOG.”

That was the end of it.

The story is interesting because, as we read in Hanging Ornaments, Burying Business, leaders often, to expand profits, to put their unique stamp on things, or to simply demonstrate they are decisive, add non-essential elements that distract from, and sometimes even negate, the core offering. In the process, they can lose the essence of what attracted people to begin with.

That wasn’t going to happen with Walt, even though Pluto, snapped above, was a Disney favorite. Walt knew what part of the offering was essential and what was not.

What about you and your business? Are you focused on those things that really matter? Or do you waste time obsessing about other, ultimately unimportant, items?

And do you, in your life, let little annoyances and habits cloud out what attracted you to those you have relationships with?

Take a cue from Walt Disney. Focus on and enjoy the love of the "dog." The "tail" will wag just fine without you pulling it.