The Walt-Disney-Method –

Creativity meets structure!

With this post, I’m starting a new blog series: Method Monday. Every Monday I will present a method that can be used effectively in coaching, personal development, or teamwork – compact, practical, and inspiring.

When we think of Walt Disney, many immediately picture Mickey Mouse, colorful movies, and a world full of imagination. But Walt Disney was not only a creative visionary; he was also a smart strategist. His special way of developing ideas is now known as the Walt Disney Method – and it is successfully applied in coaching as well as in team processes.

Three Roles – Three Perspectives

The method is based on a conscious change of perspective. Three clearly separated ways of thinking help ideas to grow, be realistically assessed, and ultimately strengthened:

Walt Disney Method

The Dreamer

• Everything is possible.

• Ideas flow freely, without limits, without criticism.

• Creativity, vision, and inspiration are at the center.

• Guiding questions: What do I wish for? What would the best solution look like? What if anything were possible?

  
  

The Realist

• Ideas turn into concrete plans.

• Which steps are necessary to put the vision into action?

• It’s about structure, organization, and practical solutions.

• Guiding questions: How can I implement this? What resources do I need? Which steps are realistic?

  
  

The Critic

• Risks, pitfalls, and weaknesses are examined.

• What could go wrong? Where are the dangers?

• The goal: to improve and safeguard the idea.

• Guiding questions: What could fail? Where are the risks and how can we minimize them? What do I need to change to succeed?

  
  

Important: The order (starting with the Dreamer) must be followed. Jumping in with criticism too early kills ideas before they can grow. First dream, then plan realistically, and only then evaluate critically – that’s the recipe for success.

Why is the Walt Disney Method so effective?

In everyday life, we often mix these roles unconsciously – and end up blocking ourselves. The inner critic shows up too soon and crushes creative sparks. Or we only dream without ever moving into action. The Walt Disney Method separates the phases deliberately. First, everything is truly possible. Then comes structure and planning, followed by critical examination. This leads to:

• Creative but also feasible solutions

• Clarity in complex questions

• Structure in decision-making processes

• Early recognition of risks and obstacles

  
  

Application in Coaching

I regularly use the Walt Disney Method in my coaching sessions and workshops. It’s versatile, for example:

• For entrepreneurs: to develop business ideas or test business models (I personally used the method to sharpen my own service portfolio).

• For teams: especially in innovation or creative processes when new products or concepts are being developed.

• For leaders: e.g., in conflict situations, to explore different perspectives on a problem.

• For individuals: when decisions feel difficult or when fresh perspectives for the future are needed.

  
  

Practical Exercise for You

Try the method yourself!

1. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into three columns: Dreamer, Realist, Critic.

2. Choose a question (e.g., “Should I change my career?” or “How can I bring my team closer together?”) and write down all ideas, plans, and risks in the respective columns.

3. Work through the perspectives one after the other – never simultaneously.

You’ll be surprised how many new thoughts and solutions become visible this way.

Conclusion

The Walt Disney Method is more than a creativity technique – it’s a tool to turn dreams into reality without ignoring risks. It combines inspiration with structure and leads to solutions that are not only exciting but also achievable.

And perhaps this was Walt Disney’s secret: to dream big, plan realistically, and question constructively.

✨ The Walt Disney Method shows us: imagination is not the opposite of reality – it is the beginning of it. ✨

Next week, Method Monday continues. I’ll introduce another exciting method that can support you in both everyday life and work. Stay tuned!

Yours,Johanna