This weekend’s New York Time’s featured an interview with Disney’s CEO, Robert Iger. His advice and career anecdotes proved helpful for executives of any level, whether you’re a manager struggling to motivate in these tough times or an entry level professional discouraged by poor management and few opportunities.

When asked what he tells his managers about leadership, Iger said:

“Most of it is by example. But when I get a chance to preach a bit, which I do to some extent, I talk about the importance of patience. I talk about the need to be direct with your people. I talk frequently about the need to be accessible — very important for a leader. You’ve got to get out there, and I exhort everyone who works for me to do just that.”

In terms of staying in touch with people throughout the company? Iger gave an answer similar to some tips featured in one my recent columns on leadership. Here’s what he had to say:

“It takes a lot of getting around. You have to see people, and not get too involved in too many extracurricular activities and all the other gravitational pulls that exist in the business world. When you meet people face to face, you’ve got to project an accessibility — that you can get on an elevator and actually have a conversation with someone or go to an employee cafeteria and talk with people, or stroll a floor of a building and connect with people. I make it part of my schedule to do that.

I was in Orlando recently, where we have over 60,000 people. I couldn’t touch every one of them, but many of them knew I was there, because I was out seeing people and getting around, and that’s a good thing. One, you show you care. Two, it gives you an ability to hear people. But I wouldn’t hear them if I stayed at Burbank in my office all the time.”

With over-worked staffs all across the media industry, it’s key that managers are getting leadership advice from the pro’s. Check back for this week’s upcoming Dear Bev column for more on leadership from Leadership Coach Dr. Gary Shuman.