Growing up, we all had that one teacher who could make any lesson fun and engaging. They were creative, artsy, and full of energy. And then… there were the teachers who somehow managed to make even a potentially fun activity feel dull.
Teachers are often the first leaders we experience outside of our own homes. As we grow and encounter new leaders and mentors in adulthood, we quickly realize what a gift it is to have someone who can take any situation, engage people, and help them retain what’s being taught
Fast forward to our own leadership roles, leading businesses, teams, or organizations, and many of us find ourselves at a crossroads. We may have a strong work ethic, model integrity, and lead with strategic thinking, but still feel at a loss when it comes to creating a workplace that feels fun. We want hardworking, high-performing teams, but we also want to create a culture that people actually enjoy being a part of.
If that’s you, let me offer a quick, easy, and surprisingly effective leadership hack: Random National Holidays.
You know National Donut Day, National Wear Pink Day, and National Puppy Day. There’s practically a quirky holiday for every day of the year. And while they may seem silly on the surface, these built-in moments offer simple, low-prep opportunities to inject some levity, creativity, and connection into your team’s culture.
For example:
- Order donuts for the team on National Donut Day.
- Invite a local pet rescue to bring puppies to the office on National Dog Day.
- Set up a DIY soda bar for National Soda Day.
The ideas are endless, and most take little more than some intentional planning and a small budget.
No, I’m not suggesting you turn your office into a non-stop party or abandon professionalism. In fact, if you’re concerned that this feels too casual for your organization, I’d gently encourage you to take an honest look at your current culture. If your team only connects through stiff emails and rigid meetings, you may want to assess how healthy your culture really is. (I recommend starting with my Culture Audit assessment.)
Great cultures are not built on spreadsheets and KPIs alone. They thrive when there’s a balance, a blend of professionalism, high standards, and space for human connection. Small, consistent, lighthearted moments can break the monotony and strengthen engagement far more than you might expect.
So, if you’re a leader who doesn’t naturally lean “fun,” don’t worry. The calendar is full of opportunities; you just have to use them.
Erin Krueger
With nearly 20 years in Nashville real estate, Erin Krueger is a nationally recognized expert, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. Formerly in corporate marketing, she became a top solo agent—ranked #1 in Tennessee and #15 in the U.S.—and built one of the nation’s leading teams. Her team closed nearly $225 million in 2024 and has sold over $2 billion to date. Erin’s book, Capture the Culture, shares her journey and leadership insights. She’s known for empowering high-performing teams to reach the next level and inspires audiences nationwide. Whether buying, selling, or scaling, Erin brings unmatched expertise and heart.
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