Disney’s Leadership: Imagination (Part 2)

Walt Disney had a vision. He wanted to create immersive and imaginative entertainment for families. He wanted to bring stories to life! He wanted people to believe they were in the story themselves.

And he did it! 

One day, Walt noticed an “out of place” cowboy in Tomorrowland. That just wouldn’t do! If visitors saw a cowboy in Tomorrowland, they would know it was all made up!  To ensure the customers would feel completely immersed, Disney had an underground tunnel system built so that workers could move from place to place without being seen. 

Imagination is Key

Imagination is the second leadership principle I’d like to highlight from Walt Disney. He once proclaimed, “Disneyland will never be finished.  It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” This has become a prophecy fulfilled as we watch the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine because a Little Mermaid ride and currently sit as a Finding Nemo attraction. I’ll admit, upon hearing that Star Ward World was going to join the park, I felt frustration that that park was changing. However, my awareness of this quote by Disney has completely changed my tune. It’s miraculous really, that imagination and evolving continues to run the show. 

My son and I recently listened to a podcast about the sounds of Disney (Twenty Thousand Hertz).  “The Imagineering Lab” is where imagination is put to life! And those who work there are called “Imagineers.” That title itself emphasizes the important of imagination in the process of creating “The Happiest Place on Earth.” 

“What?!” 

“That’s Crazy!” 

“Oh, my goodness!” 

Ethan and I kept exclaiming as we listened to the immense amount of detail that goes into creating just one ride — the music, the affects, the timing. And holding to the first principle (last post), the imagination begins with the customer in mind. How will they experience every little detail? What feelings do you want them to have and leave with? It’s quite remarkable! 

How can this look in our home

Growing up I knew my mom was there without being there. She was present when needed, but mostly she allowed us a lot of time for imagination.  “I’m bored” was not allowed in our home. Likewise, my dad created an oasis which allowed for hours of daydreaming and imagination. Rainy days were especially inviting to me as I’d wander the yard writing poetry and romanticizing my present and future life. Yes, growing up I was given space to dream. 

In her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi writes, “ Daydreaming is another form of imagination. Although it is usually thought to be a waste of time, science is now finding that it actually provides a mini vacation.… Every great individual—thinker, artist, musician, gardener, cook, mother, or anyone else—uses imagination as a way of setting the creative process in motion.” 

With the increase of scheduled activities, electronics, and our social cultural dynamic maybe we aren’t dreaming enough?  As adults, maybe we get so caught up in managing our homes and own busy schedule that we don’t allow imagination to lead our own lives. Maybe our children aren’t given as much space to use their imaginations. Sometimes I think I’m afraid to let my kids be bored because they tend to gravitate toward electronics or interrupting me in my own creative process.  

I don’t say this to look down on the modern generation, we are simply in a different era. With these challenges, we may need to spend a little more time intentionally creating time and space for imagination in our homes. 

In our home, we foster imagination with a lot of reading. When the kids were little, I required it before they could play with friends or watch TV.  There’s also something special about reading aloud with your family. Some of our favorite read-alouds have been The Tale of Despereaux, Where the Red Fern Grows and The Witches. Reading with and around your children naturally creates a sense of wonder, curiosity and vision. 

Another way we can foster imagination in our homes is working on projects together. Working on a project together — building something, remodeling a room, working in the yard, etc. — allows children to be involved in the problem-solving process which feeds creativity and builds confidence. 

We can also ask ourselves what toys we have in our homes. Do the toys we have in our homes detract or enhance imagination in our children? 

How we can apply this in our wards

Terryl Givens once said, “Many members are leaving simply because they’re bored.”

Are we boring our members? As leaders do we micromanage, carrying the full burden of leading a ward on our own shoulders? Are we giving our members enough space, time and freedom to engage deeply in gospel learning and growth?  

Let’s allow ourselves to think outside the box by asking some inspired questions: 

Are we holding weekly activities because it’s the cultural norm or because it’s what our youth actually need? Our youth are limited in their time, we need to make it worthwhile with them in mind, not our “box to be checked off” mindset. 

While sitting in circles is uncomfortable for some, could it also help with building connection and unity? Could this get us away from the teacher/student model that limits imagination and participation? 

How can primary become an inviting environment rather than an isolated calling? Can we engage the adults as much as we care for the children? 

Rather than assigning generalized topics like fasting, prayer, tithing or sacrament, how can we lead speakers to a deeper study of the scriptures and personal conversion? My favorite talk assignment was, “choose your favorite parable.” 

As the leader am I taking on too much responsibility trying to manage everything, or am I truly allowing the people to govern themselves? Am I truly listening to those in my council and stewardship, giving them space to truly contribute?

This is a church that preaches restoration. I believe the General Handbook is there as a guide, not a rule book. When reading the instructions there, often we will find it says “may be adapted” more often than we think.  The introduction of the Come, Follow Me manual states, “Use this resource in any way that is helpful to you.” The Church leaves open plenty of opportunity for us to be imaginative in our efforts to learn and lead. 

We can be more imaginative in our callings than we believe! Every member is needed and has such unique personality to bring to the table. Are we letting them?  Walt Disney said “I never want to do the thing that’s already been done.” He was against sequels. Remember, Disneyland will never be finished! Similarly, the Church will never be finished. We are always growing, changing, adapting and engaging our members! 

“We have a theology that empowers each of us to be anxiously engaged in good causes, to be co-creators and co-participants with Christ in the work of redeeming the world…. In our 21st-century secular age, Mormonism will succeed because it stretches people’s moral imaginations, and calls them to life of faith that is not small and fearful, but rather creative, venturesome, open and empowering.” (source)

Conclusion

We have to let our homes and wards evolve! As leaders and parents, we can stifle our homes, our children, our ward and then members when we try to control the environment with strict guidelines that don’t serve them and with a lack of imagination. 

It’s simple: observe the people and ask what they want then use our imagination to meet those desires! Then, in our own little parts of the world, we can participate in creating “The Happiest Home/Ward on the Earth.” 

After all, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” — Walt Disney