Sometimes it’s necessary to state, or restate, the obvious: it’s always about people, whether it’s innovation, dreams and the inspiration that drives innovation and dreams made reality.

I’m thinking along these lines at this time of the year—when dreams seem especially prevalent for young and old. Walt Disney said, “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

A leadership post by Jeff James, Vice President & General Manager, Disney Institute continues that thought: “It is not enough to simply hope that the stars will align. Walt Disney relied on his business partners, his support system and his Cast Members to turn his vision into a successful company.” That three-legged stool continues to the present day.

The post also cited a Forbes article on the subject on leadership and inspiration that said the inspiration that employees want is two-fold: “First it must come from the work people do. They must feel that what they do matters to others. They also want to know that the work has impact that is, making a positive difference. Second, the leader sets inspiration in motion.”  It is the leader’s responsibility to “ensure that employees are focused on the right tasks with the right resources at the right time.”

That’s when real collaboration occurs, inspiration is nurtured and value-creation is unleashed.

So to paraphrase (slightly) Disney, “You can design and create and build the most wonderful business plan ever. But it takes people to make it a reality.”

Image: Walt Disney Close Up II by Scott Thomas via Flickr CC