The Rhythm of Leadership

Megan & Dustin Johnson - Step Up Ballroom Dance

After my initial ballroom dance lesson, I found myself wondering about the couple behind the studio and their story (owners/teachers/dancers Dustin and Megan Johnson), which of course turned into another leadership metaphor.

Turns out they spent four years teaching dance in Italy(!) while Dustin was serving in the military.

What an interesting juxtaposition.

The structure and discipline of military life. While embracing the freedom and expression of ballroom dancing.

At first glance, "what an unlikely pairing".

But the more I thought about it, the more intentional and genius it felt.

Especially given the Johnsons' simple mission once they opened their own studio stateside here in Michigan:

To share the joy of dance.

I love that. 🫶🏼

Not the technique, not the mechanics, and not the business of teaching dance (to be clear, they are masterful at all three).

The joy.

Hmmm. How many organizations can clearly articulate the joy they intentionally cultivate into the culture? Or the joy they spread into the world?

People are drawn to joy—they want to be around it, they want to create it, they want to experience it. Joy is attractive.

Performance is strong when the energy (not necessarily the happy factor) is high.

And energy drops when grinding.

The best leaders understand this.

Yes, organizations need structure, standards, and expectations, but not at the expense of energy, connection, and meaning.

Joy feels like a nice-to-have not necessary element in business culture but there is an important lesson here.

Joy drives engagement. Engagement drives performance. Performance and employee satisfaction drives quality, which drives customer satisfaction.

Joy is the holy grail!

When are you at your best? When full of fun, bliss, and light-heartedness? Or feeling the grind?

Two people who created something special--grounded in structure, filled with joy.

Talk about finding the rhythm of leadership! Cha-cha-cha.

❤️ Heidi

P.S. Connect with Megan & Dustin Johnson at: stepoutballroom.com