There was only one Mr. at Disneyland and Walt Disney made sure people knew it. Photo: Wikimedia Commons User-Deror Avi

One true story about Walt Disney demonstrates his attitude towards the people he worked with, those who worked for him, and those who his company provided service to. There is a lesson for all of us in this simple exchange.

Walt had an apartment in Disneyland. It was on top of the Fire House on Main Street, U.S.A. An apartment inside the theme park might have seemed like a luxury, but in Walt’s case it was essential. Nothing could keep him away from what he called his ‘little park.’. Without the apartment, a security host might have found him sleeping on one of the park benches.

Early mornings in a Disney park are special: the park pristine, the sun rising over the castle, the animals scurrying about, the quiet solitude of it all. Whether eager to get out into his park, or impatient with making his own coffee, Walt would roam the park, reveling in his creation and looking for coffee to mooch.

One crisp California morning, thirty minutes before park opening, Disney photographer Renie Bardeau was sitting in a back corner of the Hills Bros. Coffee Shop when Walt strolled in.

Renie observed, “He looked around for a place to sit. I was the only one in there and he walked up and asked, ‘Renie, Mind if I sit down?’”

Bardeau, surprised that Walt knew his name, replied, “No, of course not, sit right down Walt.”

Walt sat and they talked about the weather forecast and the estimated park attendance for the day.

A waitress, nervous and shaking, approached.

“C-can I help you, Mr. Disney?” she asked.

Walt replied, referring to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, “Yes, but remember, I’m Walt. There’s only one ‘mister’ in Disneyland and that’s Mr. Toad.”

Only one mister … and it wasn’t the guy in charge. Ever work for leaders who think too much of themselves? Who want to be called Mr. or Ms.? Whose own insecurities prevent effective cooperation?

I have. You probably have too. Formality works in command-and-control organizations, like the military, where it is necessary. It rarely works in business. Employees are, after all those months in COVID lockdown, taking serious stock of their work situations and leaving in the "great resignation" unless they feel dedication to the organization and warmth from their leaders.

Comparatively, Walt Disney projected the right combination: an inspiring presence and a humble persona. It was so effective that his employee cried when he passed away. 

Perhaps we’d achieve more success if we paid less attention to titles and more to being inspiring and relatable.

A special note - our MIC Key Snap videos are now on Rumble. You can visit them at this link.