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Lead Like Walt: Discover Walt Disney's Magical Approach to Building Successful Organizations
Whether you are building a small business from the ground up or managing a multinational company, you can learn the seven key traits for leadership success from one of the greatest business innovators and creative thinkers of the twentieth century: Walt Disney. Whether you know him as the first to produce cartoons in Technicolor, the mastermind behind the theme park Disneyland, or the founder of the largest entertainment conglomerate, Walt's story of creativity, perseverance in spite of obstacles, and achieving goals resonates and inspires as much today as it ever has. Author Pat Williams began studying the life and leadership example of Walt Disney as he struggled to build an NBA franchise, the Orlando Magic. Since he was trying to accomplish a goal similar to so many of Walt's--starting with nothing and building a dream from the ground up--he realized that Walt could teach him what he needed to know. And indeed he did. Through Walt Disney's leadership example, Pat found seven key leadership traits that all great leaders must possess: Vision, Communication, People Skills, Character, Competence, Boldness, and A Serving Heart. Through never-before-heard Walt stories and pragmatic principles for exceeding business goals, you'll learn how to build those skills and implement them to be effective in any leadership arena.
- GenresNonfictionBusiness
Audio CD
First published September 3, 2019
9 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Pat Williams
199 books48 followersPatrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 19, 2024
loveee leadership books lol!!!
February 14, 2020
Is there any name more recognized than Walt Disney? This man has impacted our childhood as the world he created fame to life around us. Although he is a household name and everyone feels like they know something about him, this book reveals stories the average Disney fan would have never known.
I highly Recommend this book for anyone who wonders if dreams that we dare to dream really can come true!
The publisher provided a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
I highly Recommend this book for anyone who wonders if dreams that we dare to dream really can come true!
The publisher provided a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
December 24, 2020
I became obsessed with anything Disney after I worked at Disney World during college. I was continually impressed by the company and have read several books about the creation of the theme parks mainly. This book was perfect for me because it really gave me a sense of who Walt Disney was and some of the leadership qualities that made him so successful. I’ve even found myself giving tidbits from the book to my teenagers. It’s never too early to learn to “Lead Like Walt”!
October 6, 2022
This book consists of many anecdotes about Walt Disney, with a few rudimentary leadership principles gleaned here and there. It isn't worthless, which is why I gave it two whole stars, but it certainly isn't good.
The biggest flaw with this book is the author's tone– he LOVES Walt Disney. Adores him. And, of course, that's completely understandable. He was a childhood hero for this man, and generally you have some level of respect/adoration for an individual if you feel compelled to write a "Lessons we can learn from" style book about them. But the tone does a massive disservice to the overall objective of the book. If you want to be a great leader, you most definitely should learn from the leaders of the past. But you should learn from their mistakes as much, if not more, than you learn from their successes. This author does not understand that. He explicitly states that Disney's sole character flaw is that he smoked cigarettes and couldn't stop. Near the end of the book he states that Walt Disney is hands down the most influential person of the twentieth century (Apparently Williams has never heard of Einstein or Gandhi).
The funny thing is Williams tells multiple anecdotes that directly show some of Walt Disney's missteps or outright failures as a leader – but he never presents them as such, just telling the story and moving on to Walt's humility or his kind heart. Let me give you some examples.
During the great depression, a number of Disney animators felt they were being compensated unfairly and went on strike for better conditions and pay. Walt was flabbergasted. How could his employees strike? He viewed this as the ultimate betrayal, and Williams writes he never trusted his employees again. Walt didn't even deal with the strike; his response was to go on a "work trip"/vacation to south america with a number of executives at Disney. He never dealt with the issue, instead burying resentment, never considering that maybe his employees might have indeed been underpaid or overworked.
Another example: Walt Disney wanted to build a theme park for a long time. His brother, Roy, always told him "there's no way, we don't have the kind of money that would require." But Walt always begged him to try and make it happen, as he really really wanted to build a theme park.
Finally, Roy came to Walt one friday evening and they had an exchange something like this:
"I've got good news Walt! I've got a number of investors interested in your Disneyland project! I have a meeting scheduled with them on Monday morning."
"Well that's fantastic Roy!"
"Yeah it is. Could you give me some of your blueprints and sketches of the park for me to show them?"
"..."
"Walt?"
"...I don't have any."
"What?"
"I don't have any sketches."
"WHAT?! You mean to tell me you haven't drafted a single sketch? You've been telling me about this park for YEARS, Walt. YEARS. Why don't you have any sketches?"
"Don't need 'em. It's all -" Walt points to his head, "-up here."
"Well that's just dandy Walt, but I can't show the investors your brain."
"...you have a point."
So Walt called one of his favorite animators, and asked him to come into the office that weekend. The animator was confused, but came in anyway. After he arrived, Walt explained the situation, and said he needed the animator to draft sketches and maps of disneyland. So he did. That animator and Walt stayed in the studio for 48 hours straight creating something Roy could show to the investors.
Of course, Williams frames this story as an example of Walt's supreme dedication, working all through the weekend to make the sketches. He doesn't think to point out how absolutely inane it was for Walt to think people should give him millions of dollars for an idea locked in his brain that he hadn't made the slightest effort to put to paper.
I digress. This book isn't the worst thing ever written; there's a few things here and there that are actually pretty good, redeeming it from a one-star rating. Unless you pray to Walt Disney, I would not recommend this book.
The biggest flaw with this book is the author's tone– he LOVES Walt Disney. Adores him. And, of course, that's completely understandable. He was a childhood hero for this man, and generally you have some level of respect/adoration for an individual if you feel compelled to write a "Lessons we can learn from" style book about them. But the tone does a massive disservice to the overall objective of the book. If you want to be a great leader, you most definitely should learn from the leaders of the past. But you should learn from their mistakes as much, if not more, than you learn from their successes. This author does not understand that. He explicitly states that Disney's sole character flaw is that he smoked cigarettes and couldn't stop. Near the end of the book he states that Walt Disney is hands down the most influential person of the twentieth century (Apparently Williams has never heard of Einstein or Gandhi).
The funny thing is Williams tells multiple anecdotes that directly show some of Walt Disney's missteps or outright failures as a leader – but he never presents them as such, just telling the story and moving on to Walt's humility or his kind heart. Let me give you some examples.
During the great depression, a number of Disney animators felt they were being compensated unfairly and went on strike for better conditions and pay. Walt was flabbergasted. How could his employees strike? He viewed this as the ultimate betrayal, and Williams writes he never trusted his employees again. Walt didn't even deal with the strike; his response was to go on a "work trip"/vacation to south america with a number of executives at Disney. He never dealt with the issue, instead burying resentment, never considering that maybe his employees might have indeed been underpaid or overworked.
Another example: Walt Disney wanted to build a theme park for a long time. His brother, Roy, always told him "there's no way, we don't have the kind of money that would require." But Walt always begged him to try and make it happen, as he really really wanted to build a theme park.
Finally, Roy came to Walt one friday evening and they had an exchange something like this:
"I've got good news Walt! I've got a number of investors interested in your Disneyland project! I have a meeting scheduled with them on Monday morning."
"Well that's fantastic Roy!"
"Yeah it is. Could you give me some of your blueprints and sketches of the park for me to show them?"
"..."
"Walt?"
"...I don't have any."
"What?"
"I don't have any sketches."
"WHAT?! You mean to tell me you haven't drafted a single sketch? You've been telling me about this park for YEARS, Walt. YEARS. Why don't you have any sketches?"
"Don't need 'em. It's all -" Walt points to his head, "-up here."
"Well that's just dandy Walt, but I can't show the investors your brain."
"...you have a point."
So Walt called one of his favorite animators, and asked him to come into the office that weekend. The animator was confused, but came in anyway. After he arrived, Walt explained the situation, and said he needed the animator to draft sketches and maps of disneyland. So he did. That animator and Walt stayed in the studio for 48 hours straight creating something Roy could show to the investors.
Of course, Williams frames this story as an example of Walt's supreme dedication, working all through the weekend to make the sketches. He doesn't think to point out how absolutely inane it was for Walt to think people should give him millions of dollars for an idea locked in his brain that he hadn't made the slightest effort to put to paper.
I digress. This book isn't the worst thing ever written; there's a few things here and there that are actually pretty good, redeeming it from a one-star rating. Unless you pray to Walt Disney, I would not recommend this book.
October 21, 2019
There may not be a name more recognized in the world today than Walt Disney. Some of that is due to his incredible creativity and ingenuity, but most is due to the company he and his brother, Roy, founded. It is an entertainment giant today and known around the world. But what about the man and the leadership skills which helped him accomplish what he did? Pat Williams, in Lead Like Walt, explores seven characteristics (humility, vision, communication skills, people skills, good character, competence, boldness, and servant heart) which he feels are essential to good leadership.
Throughout the book Williams highlights stories and testimonials out of Walt’s life which showcase one or more of the seven characteristics of good leadership. But Williams doesn’t sugar coat Walt and make him out to be the perfect leader beyond human credibility. No, Walt had his faults and his problems. In fact, it is how he learned and grew that make his character development so remarkable.
No one is probably born with all seven characteristics. Some may not be born with any of them but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be learned and in so doing help us become great leaders. This is the point of Lead Like Walt. Just because you don’t have an innate characteristic doesn’t mean you can’t achieve success and even greatness. Learn from your inadequacies, make the best of what you have, and keep moving forward. That is what Walt did in the face of bankruptcy, labor disputes, and betrayal. He took the good with the bad and made the best of it.
Williams shows us how we, like Walt Disney, can become the best form of ourselves and as a result leave a legacy which may change the world.
Upon request the publisher sent me a copy of the book to review.
Throughout the book Williams highlights stories and testimonials out of Walt’s life which showcase one or more of the seven characteristics of good leadership. But Williams doesn’t sugar coat Walt and make him out to be the perfect leader beyond human credibility. No, Walt had his faults and his problems. In fact, it is how he learned and grew that make his character development so remarkable.
No one is probably born with all seven characteristics. Some may not be born with any of them but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be learned and in so doing help us become great leaders. This is the point of Lead Like Walt. Just because you don’t have an innate characteristic doesn’t mean you can’t achieve success and even greatness. Learn from your inadequacies, make the best of what you have, and keep moving forward. That is what Walt did in the face of bankruptcy, labor disputes, and betrayal. He took the good with the bad and made the best of it.
Williams shows us how we, like Walt Disney, can become the best form of ourselves and as a result leave a legacy which may change the world.
Upon request the publisher sent me a copy of the book to review.
August 6, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from HCI Books - Health Communications Inc in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was curious to read this book due to having worked for the Walt Disney Company my junior year in high school. I wanted to see what tips and tricks Pat showcased in this book to see if there was any similarity to the Disney 101 course I took in Orlando. I do have to say that not only is this book similar to the course but in my opinion, I think Pat showcased Walt's method better enough that I think Disney should make Pat's book part of their New Employee training. This book shows you that you do not have to know Walt personally to learn from him and I found it so cool that Pat received a letter from Roy Disney the nephew of Walt thanking him for writing this book and mentioning him in the book. If you want to learn a thing or two not only about the Disney way but in leadership in general, this book is for you.
We will consider adding this title to our Non-Fiction Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I was curious to read this book due to having worked for the Walt Disney Company my junior year in high school. I wanted to see what tips and tricks Pat showcased in this book to see if there was any similarity to the Disney 101 course I took in Orlando. I do have to say that not only is this book similar to the course but in my opinion, I think Pat showcased Walt's method better enough that I think Disney should make Pat's book part of their New Employee training. This book shows you that you do not have to know Walt personally to learn from him and I found it so cool that Pat received a letter from Roy Disney the nephew of Walt thanking him for writing this book and mentioning him in the book. If you want to learn a thing or two not only about the Disney way but in leadership in general, this book is for you.
We will consider adding this title to our Non-Fiction Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
November 6, 2019
This book was a very insightful look on the workings of Walt. There are so many things to like about this book, and it has taught me so much about Walt Disney that I did not know. It allowed me to see by Walt's example what is possible and what can be achieved. I learned by reading this book what qualities that Walt Disney cultivated that helped him to become a visionary and powerful example in the world that in turn I could use to make my dreams possible. Reminds you that your dreams can become reality if you are willing to put in the work.
August 5, 2019
As a Disney nerd, as soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I'm so glad that I did because this book is amazing. As a small business owner too that it has helped me understand the business world a little more. I like how it has a ton of good ideas that as a business owner I can do and this book is perfect for anyone who is looking to see how Walt Disney became so successful in the way that he led his business.
August 8, 2019
As a Disney fan and affiliate travel agent that specializes in Disney travel, as soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I'm so happy I did because this book is so good. As a small business owner myself, it has helped me understand the business world a little more clearly. I like how it has a ton of good ideas that as a business owner I can do and this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered how Walt Disney became so successful in the way that he led his business.
March 2, 2020
The book narrates the events in the life of Walt Disney who built the happiest place of Earth. The 7 leadership skills Walt espouses will help readers achieve great things just like Walt.
I really like how the book was written. It was able to infuse the narratives with the leadership lessons.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it strikes the right balance between the stories and the leadership lessons.
I really like how the book was written. It was able to infuse the narratives with the leadership lessons.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it strikes the right balance between the stories and the leadership lessons.
June 7, 2022
I didn't think I would like this book at the beginning, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I always liked Walt Disney and this book makes him a real hero. His vision and imagination has changed the world and it was great to learn the back stories of his life and business choices. The book is a great source of guidance on how to be a good leader in any situation.
"The ultimate test of leadership is this: does the leader have the heart of a a servant? Walt Disney lead by serving"
"The ultimate test of leadership is this: does the leader have the heart of a a servant? Walt Disney lead by serving"
July 14, 2019
I’m not really a ‘self-help’ kinda girl. Not at all. But this one mentioned Walt and I’m someone who loves all things Disney so of course I had to see what this one was about.
I really enjoyed all the different insights on him and people who knew him. I thought this was done well. It kinda told a story while giving advice on how to be a great leader.
I definitely recommend this one!
I really enjoyed all the different insights on him and people who knew him. I thought this was done well. It kinda told a story while giving advice on how to be a great leader.
I definitely recommend this one!
February 14, 2020
Not only did this book discuss the great leadership of Walt but also his dreams and visions. It was great to see how Walt's dreams were put into action. Walt's leadership quality are all simple ideas that each and every leader could put into place. I recently took a management job and this book gave me so many good ideas on how to became a great leader.
May 6, 2020
Lead Like Walt is a Disney fans true guide to the man himself, Walt Disney, if they were loo,ing to know his insights of building and running his company.
For me personally, it wasn't quite what I expected or needed, but it was a fun read.
Recommend for that manager that wears their Mickey Mouse Ears proudly!
Thanks NetGalley!
For me personally, it wasn't quite what I expected or needed, but it was a fun read.
Recommend for that manager that wears their Mickey Mouse Ears proudly!
Thanks NetGalley!
January 21, 2020
Amazing book that shows Walts path from childhood to the completion of Disneyland. It was a touch biased but it went over some of Walts faults! Overall I think it is a great book for anyone looking to lead in a creative environment!
March 21, 2020
Only by being a great leader could Walt Disney accomplish the amazing things he accomplished. This book is a catalog of the leadership lessons we can learn from Walt. A paragraph in the final chapter summarizes those lessons well:
"He dreamed big dreams - impossible dreams they told him. Then he moved heaven and earth to make his dreams come true. When you, as a leader, start with a vision, then communicate that vision to the people you lead, utilize your people skills to motivate and inspire them, maintain your character and integrity at every decision-point, command with competence, lead with boldness and confidence, and support your people with your serving heart, your vision will become your reality."
"He dreamed big dreams - impossible dreams they told him. Then he moved heaven and earth to make his dreams come true. When you, as a leader, start with a vision, then communicate that vision to the people you lead, utilize your people skills to motivate and inspire them, maintain your character and integrity at every decision-point, command with competence, lead with boldness and confidence, and support your people with your serving heart, your vision will become your reality."
January 12, 2022
I started listening to this audiobook while at work one day and completed it all that day. I learned a lot about being a leader and how Walt Disney lead his people and how he treated his workers and cocreator’s. I believe people can learn a lot from this book.
July 17, 2022
Not quite sure what I was expecting here, but as far as disney books are concerned, this one offers nothing new. It simply takes a list of principals needed for business and applies the same disney stories you’ve heard 100 times to those traits.
February 21, 2020
I am taking a leadership skills class for work and this book was a phenomenal read whether you are a Disney fan or just studying leadership. Fantastic book
May 11, 2020
I became tired of find out how great Walt Disney was. I just couldn't finish the book.
August 23, 2020
It's actually been a few months since I read this book here's what I remember: This is a great look into Walt Disney's leadership style. It's really well written and very interesting.
April 3, 2023
This book tells the story of Walt Disney, but also gives plenty of examples of simple tactics that can be used to improve your leadership.
December 24, 2024
Walt Disney led an amazing life and made a difference for millions, I loved this unique perspective. I need to take another trip to Disneyland!
September 6, 2019
Read all my reviews at https://brainfartsandbooks.wordpress.com
As an avid Disney fan and an even bigger fan of the Mouse himself, I have always wondered about Walt Disney and his work ethic and how his company started. Walt Disney was a true entrepreneur. He was without all of the technology and tools we have today yet his ideas and creative ability are still going as strong as ever. Walt Disney put his heart and soul into his company and this book breaks down the qualities that Walt had when building his business.
Pat Williams does a great job of including personal stories from people who knew Walt in the book. Examples of how Walt treated people and what he would do in specific situations. I very much enjoyed reading about how Walt Disney made his dreams come true even after his untimely death. His legacy lives on each and every day. One of my favorite fun facts in the book is that Walt chose the address for Disneyland to be at 1313 South Harbor Blvd which is now 1313 Disneyland Drive. The letter "M" is the thirteenth number of the alphabet so the address translates to "MM" which of course stands for Mickey Mouse. It's the little things like that that make you realize that Disneyland was really, and will always be, Walt Disney's baby.
Thank you to Netgalley, Pat Williams, and Health Communications for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As an avid Disney fan and an even bigger fan of the Mouse himself, I have always wondered about Walt Disney and his work ethic and how his company started. Walt Disney was a true entrepreneur. He was without all of the technology and tools we have today yet his ideas and creative ability are still going as strong as ever. Walt Disney put his heart and soul into his company and this book breaks down the qualities that Walt had when building his business.
Pat Williams does a great job of including personal stories from people who knew Walt in the book. Examples of how Walt treated people and what he would do in specific situations. I very much enjoyed reading about how Walt Disney made his dreams come true even after his untimely death. His legacy lives on each and every day. One of my favorite fun facts in the book is that Walt chose the address for Disneyland to be at 1313 South Harbor Blvd which is now 1313 Disneyland Drive. The letter "M" is the thirteenth number of the alphabet so the address translates to "MM" which of course stands for Mickey Mouse. It's the little things like that that make you realize that Disneyland was really, and will always be, Walt Disney's baby.
Thank you to Netgalley, Pat Williams, and Health Communications for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2019
As a business owner you tend to notice other companies who deliver on excellent customer service. Disney is one of those companies! This book was very insightful look on the wonders of Walt. I would recommend this to anyone who manages people in any industry.
Thank You NetGalley and Health Communications INC. for giving me this advanced readers copy in return for my honest opinion.
Thank You NetGalley and Health Communications INC. for giving me this advanced readers copy in return for my honest opinion.
March 17, 2021
Really enjoyed learning the heartbeat of why Disney World, Disney Land, and Disney movies are such a success... it was the heart of a man who lead by serving, by example, by vision/dreaming, and by being personable, and by hard work.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews