As I write this blog, I’m the only one in the Chicago office. It’s not often that the home team wins a championship like the Stanley Cup, and in Chicago it’s actually been about 49 years. In the spirit of team, I’ve decided to take the proverbial one and let the crew attend Chicago’s Blackhawks Parade, while I man the phones. I say this with no cynicism because I’m from Arizona. Having grown up without hockey (and having just watched my beloved Suns lose the Western Conference Finals), I’ve been out of the Stanley Cup loop.

Days like these (I call them Ferris Bueller days) are a reminder to stop and smell the roses, or allow for a little indulgence. If one’s indulgence happens to be hockey, and one’s team wins a national championship it’s almost necessary to step outside the office walls and do a victory dance with fellow fans.

Nancy Lublin (love her) just wrote about this very subject for Fast Company. In her article, Lublin describes a manager who gives his staff Sun Days- days off when the weather is more than perfect outside. The small indulgence allows his employees to feel valued, while reducing their stress. Smells like team spirit to me. And so, with this spirit in mind I end this blog with heartfelt congratulations to the Blackhawks for their fantastic season and win, and to the boss-man for allowing the team to celebrate it today.

GO HAWKS!

-Mowalla Chicago