I’m pretty lucky because I have a roller rink in my neighborhood. My kids and I have been regulars for close to a decade now. Some of my fondest memories happened at the roller rink decades ago. Despite the learning curve, awkward collisions, and minor injuries, I go back for more.
During my last trip to the rink, I indulgently sipped on a soda and watched the skaters glide along and move to the music. Smiling. Holding hands. Some stumbling. Some showing off. I wondered to myself, just exactly what makes this place so magnetic? There are so many different people on the floor—sportos, motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies. They all adore it.
And why do I find such a feeling of stress release when I go? Being there is a guaranteed escape from the stress of the world outside. It’s almost like going to the spa, but with dance music, junk food, and arcade games.
As I sat there, I made a connection between being on the roller rink floor and being my best self at work. As a creative leader, part of my job is to make work fun and to inspire a what if mentality, no matter how unattainable the idea may seem. To be truly creative, we must embrace a risk-taking culture.
As I joyfully watched the skaters on the floor, I made these observations that I try to bring to work every day.
