On a recent trip to the theater, while wandering around the lobby prior to the movie and during the previews, there were several references to upcoming 3D movies.
I was reminded of the recent 3D movies I had seen as well as the 3D magic I experienced in Mickey’s PhilharMagic while on a field trip to the Magic Kingdom. Three-dimensional movies use the latest technology to show a film in three dimensions, giving a richness and depth to the movie.
Of course when I think of Disney, my first thoughts are guest services, and it didn’t take me long to put the two trains of thought together:
Do you have a 3D guest experience at your church?
These three dimensions are not length, width and depth, but three representations of time: past, present and future. A wise guest services leader recognizes the importance of all three:
- Past is history.
- Present is reality.
- Future is opportunity.
History—Every past success and failure in your guest services can be a source of information and wisdom—if you allow it to be. The wise guest services leader learns both from success and failure. Don’t be satisfied with your successes, and don’t be dismayed by your failures. History is important: It is not a rock to hold on to, but a bridge to the future.
Reality—No matter what a guest services leader learns from the past, it will never tell you all you need to know for the present. The wise guest services leader is constantly gathering information from many sources about what’s going on in the here and now—because that’s where we are at. They ask others on their team, they talk with their peers, they look to other leaders for insight. Wise guest services leaders also become students of the guests they are seeking to minister to.
Opportunity—Wise guest services leaders see tomorrow before it arrives. They have a vision for a preferable future, they understand what it will take to get there, they know who they will need to be on the team to be successful, and they recognize obstacles long before they become apparent to others.
The 3D movies I saw required me to wear special glasses; even then the view was only an illusion of depth.
Wise guest services leaders will understand the three dimensions of past, present and future, and realize they are not an illusion but a powerful force that will help them lead their guest services teams with real depth and dimension.
Lead your guest services teams with 3D vision, and you will exceed your guests’ expectations every time.
