Warming the Floor

I am considered a floor warmer.

You’ve probably seen a floor warmer before. They boldly step onto a barren, ice-cold dance floor and start shaking it up. Once onlookers see that it’s okay to shake their groove thing, they naturally join in on the fun.

The first few minutes of being a floor warmer are absolutely terrifying. You are out there on your own with nothing other than your own moxie to protect you from the glaring eyes of those around you. As a floor warmer, you KNOW there are people giving you stink-eye, judging your moves, and likely mocking you. You also know that someone is probably recording you, ready to upload your shimmy onto their social sites.

The price of being a floor warmer pales in comparison to the thrill of being the person who rallies an entire room to joy. You are noticed. You are celebrated. You are rewarded for your efforts. And all it took was confidence in your power and courage to step into the void.

We can be floor warmers in our careers too. Be the one who raises your hand first when your boss asks for input. Be the one who makes the new team member not only feel welcome but included. Be the one who tries something new despite the presence of fear.