60 Ideas in 60 Minutes: Brad Thomas, President, Silver Dollar City

Be One Who Learns – Not One Who Knows
Our world is constantly changing. We must recognize that our customers, employees, and technologies are always evolving. Think about it: Ten years ago, iPhones and other smart mobile devices had just launched. Facebook didn’t exist, and no one knew what a "tweet" was. "Knowers" believe they already know it all and see no need in learning or adapting. It is important to always embrace learning.

Passion and Service for the Customer
Customers have many choices on where to spend their time and money. Businesses that endure build solid cultures centered on a passion for the customer. We must understand how to reach our current and prospective customers. As returning and new customers walk through our doors, we must serve them well, especially when issues arise.

Lead, Empower, and Sincerely Appreciate People
Organizations succeed when everyone cares and contributes. This happens when we feel respected, appreciated, and empowered. Leaders must remember to lead people, keeping in mind that each person has individual needs, hopes, and dreams. Helping team members explore and fulfill their aspirations is crucial.

Search for Boulders
Stephen Covey’s concept of "Big Rocks" is more applicable today than ever. Many of us could easily spend 4-5 hours a day glued to our email accounts, making phone calls, and attending meetings. If we aren’t careful, we won’t have time to make a significant impact on the business. We must make time to identify the boulders—those big ideas that can make a difference for our business, employees, or customers.

Focus
As a young person, I talked fast, walked fast, and had endless task lists. I tried to conquer the world every day. Then, a mentor advised me: “Focus. All my friends focus.” Trying to do too many things prevented me from reaching my potential. I needed focus to prioritize my actions and humbly realize that I would never be able to do a million things well.

Build a Team for Tomorrow
Call it succession planning or organizational strategy, but it’s important to annually spend time with your organizational chart, considering both short-term and long-term (10-year) views. Think about who, with training and development, can progress up one level or more. Consider who has skills that could be better utilized in a different position. Identify who is no longer with the organization and who, if given bigger opportunities, can grow faster. This process can be fun and energizing for ensuring future success and survival.

Celebrating Results Versus Effort
Hard work doesn’t always yield results. Celebrating those who achieve results helps create an organizational climate focused on moving forward. Be cautious about praising or promoting effort alone, as work ethic doesn’t always produce results.

Work Hard, but Take Time to Have Fun at Work
Find ways to celebrate individual or organizational successes, personal milestones, birthdays, and corporate anniversaries. Always serve the customer well, but also take time to listen and enjoy conversations with colleagues. Seek out fun surprises appropriate for your organization's culture, like surprise lunches during busy periods or ice cream on a hot summer day.

Find Creative Ways to Make a Difference
A few years ago, our team discovered we could launch new products and create new programs for the business while tying these launches into innovative ways to make a difference in the world. We gain energy every time we succeed. For example, the world’s most daring wood coaster celebrated and recognized law enforcement. A new area for families helped us highlight the need for volunteer fire departments across the USA. Our programs celebrate rescue workers, with themes like “Dream Big. Do Good.”

These Will Be Tomorrow’s “Good Old Days”
We need to slow down and appreciate today’s special people, moments, and gifts. Consider the "good old days." Rarely did any of us truly understand how special those people and moments were at the time. Life moves fast, so it’s important to appreciate today.