Sharing Ballroom w/ Colleagues

[canismajor41]

So we’re having an “all-hands” meeting at work and the Director wants to highlight staff members for the fun things they do outside of the office. She heard about my dancing and so I’ve been asked if it is OK if she acknowledges me in front of the entire 200 staff office. Part of me wants to share and be gracious. Another smaller part of me wants to keep my private life seperate from my work life. Many of my very close colleagues have attended comps, so it’s not like I purposely try to keep it hidden. It just seems odd to share that part of my life with people I barely know. Anyone else have similar feelings/experiences?

 

[suburbaknght]

No, but I'm an egomaniac.

 

[3wishes]

Many of my co-workers do lots of things beyond the scope of work - that none of us would ever imagine as their hobbies. Sharing a persons hobby, interest, at an "all hands" meeting may be interesting if your in agreement with it and don't mind. Essentially, if the others already know - and have attended comps - could it be an example of how to relieve stress from work? outside of work? You may want to ask what the premise is - and will all the meeting participants also be sharing what they do i.e., photography, gardening, dancing? The fact that you were asked if it is "ok" is respectfull on her part in knowing this is "your" passion. That said, our HR department urges many of us to do something, recreationally, that is the direct opposite of what we do in our public safety lives - which actually brings balance to the pressure of work. You've been selected for a reason - it seems. If it truly eats at you - speak with her and ask for the reasoning behind this recognition.

 

[canismajor41]

Yes, others are being acknowledged too so maybe I'll just channel my inner diva and enjoy the spotlight with them. lol

 

[samina]

So we’re having an “all-hands” meeting at work and the Director wants to highlight staff members for the fun things they do outside of the office. She heard about my dancing and so I’ve been asked if it is OK if she acknowledges me in front of the entire 200 staff office. Part of me wants to share and be gracious. Another smaller part of me wants to keep my private life seperate from my work life. Many of my very close colleagues have attended comps, so it’s not like I purposely try to keep it hidden. It just seems odd to share that part of my life with people I barely know. Anyone else have similar feelings/experiences?

we spend a lot of time with our colleagues, and i've found my favorite work environments have been those that fostered some kind of sharing & support of personal interests. i've even encountered some colleagues who were also into dancing. and you never know who you might turn onto dance if you share your interest more widely.

but everyone has a different comfort level WRT privacy...do what feels right for you.

 

[chica latina]

I would say go for it. I know some people that were tentative at first as well, but it has only brought positive feedback.

It's a very respected hobby and it's somewhat unusual. Now everyone is talking about the dancing shows, so it can open communication w co-workers you would normally not talk to (new channel for networking). Also people will remember who you are, which is always a plus.

 

[canismajor41]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. I just got off the phone with my boss and it's official: I'm on the agenda :shock:

 

[Bailamosdance]

With 'Dancing' shows consistently in the top 10 of tv ratings, expect envy and admiration as the result. You are doing something that is very 'in' right now... be proud!

 

[etp777]

Let that diva out. Most of my coworkers know I dance, including everyone who ever comes into my office, of course, since I have pictures of me and FP on walls. I never get any negative response.

 

[tanya_the_dancer]

This seems kinda strange to me, why would they talk about it in a corporate meeting to begin with?

 

[wooh]

This seems kinda strange to me, why would they talk about it in a corporate meeting to begin with?

Work-life balance is very big right now.

 

[etp777]

Yeah, they can't afford to give you raises or bonuses or anything else that might make you happy in your work, so they want you to spend your own time and money making sure you're happy outside of work. As long as you don't take off too much time for comps.

 

[canismajor41]

It must be working because I am very happy "outside of work" and am currently spending my entire paycheck on my hobby. Now if I could only turn my hobby into a money-making career...

 

[samina]

This seems kinda strange to me, why would they talk about it in a corporate meeting to begin with?

Companies that are into the whole work-life balance thing definitely express interest in hearing about personal interests.

I received an award last year for exceptional performance, and on the trophy/plaque thingie it said "dance award" because they cleverly customized all awards given out to individuals' personalities...making it apparently more "fun and personal".

 

[samina]

Work-life balance is very big right now.

Right. Although IMO there's a lotta lip service goin' on..."Sure, tell us about your life so we can clap in support, but if we need you to ship you out to timbuktu tomorrow and work 80-hr weeks, don't grumble or it will show up on your performance report and affect your bonus..."