How does a large enterprise with multiple segments develop employees who are high performers within their units but also fully aligned with enterprise values and goals? Walt Disney World found a way, and it is changing how corporations approach employee development.
By Dave Desouza

Many companies have distinct operating segments or units with different goals. They work for the same company but are often focused on their units independent of the overall goals of the enterprise. The assumption is: Meet the segment goals, and the company will succeed.

This was not workable for a company like The Walt Disney Company (TWDC), which needs the magic to flow whether employees are working on the next blockbuster film or greeting children in a character costumes in the parks and resorts. The company decided to change its employee development approach so that employees at all levels in different enterprise segments have an enterprise view of growth and succes...