hidden

'Hidden Mickeys'; ever heard of them? If you have spent any time around a Disney fanatic, you probably have. They are, in large part, important to Disney extremists...and they should be important to us, as well.

In brief, HMs are "representations of Mickey Mouse that have been inserted subtly into the design of rides, attractions, and other locations in Disney theme parks and elsewhere on Disney properties." (Wikipedia)

I must admit that I love them; I love the concept, the creativity, the course. But even if I did not have a soft spot for all types of subcouncious indoctrination, their presence begs an important question. Why are they there? What purpose do they serve? Certainly, these special touches are not economically-driven. No one pays $1K to spend their vacation looking for images of a cartoon character carved into a rock or disguised on a leapord statue. They are not mandated or "official"; legend has it that HMs just started appearing as inside jokes amongst the designers. And they are likely not used for subcouncious indoctrination; if you happen upon one...you're already there.

So what, then, can we learn from the HM phenomenon? Turns out, there is an important lesson hidden here. Simply put, it's about detail.

Let's say that you are spending a few nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on WDW property. While scoping out the decor, you notice this, tucked away amongst the rocks:

I imagine that most people would assume that a micro-detail such as this, would naturally translate into a feeling of comfort with the macro. In other words, if a company spends the time to insure the tiniest of elements are tended to, you generally have a feeling that the big stuff has been taken care of. To quote John Wooden, "It's the little details that are vital."

Sure, details are important in life, but they are critical in business. Minor points will make or break a company, a team, an employee. Bottom line: we should all be paying more attention to the details.

I am not suggesting that we sneak in Knowledge Bursts throughout the country, or even throughout the buildings (though I, of course, would love it). I do suggest, however, that every one of us has the ability, and even the responsibility, to make each one of our projects, our products, our processes special and complete, down to the last element.

Rumor has it that hidden mickeys are personal (instead of corporate), inspired and created by the designers themselves. They exist as a calling card of sorts, letting you know that the artist has created something unique and special, and that he or she had you, the audience, in mind.

Do your internal/external customers feel this way? Perhaps they can; certainly, they should.

Find a detail during your workday, something that no one has asked you to do, perhaps something that no one even realizes that you can do, and do it. Take the time to add a special and important detail to your process, product, interaction, design, etc. Hide an extra moment's work to your product; someone will notice.

It might not be a hidden Mickey, but you just might win the appreciation of many.

shanti,
mjh

p.s.--ok, that "many"/Minnie pun just might be the worst thing I have ever written, but I couldn't resist. Apologies.