[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y[/youtube]

Although Prince’s passing a few days ago brings a sadness, his body of work is an incredible testament to how joy and collaboration can create beautiful music.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame video of his collaboration with Tom Petty and others, and the joy that just makes you smile and keeps you spellbound, is ample evidence – as is what those who’ve seen him live in concert can attest to.  I’ve seen the responses from friends on Facebook whose lives have been impacted by his contribution to the soundtrack of their lives.

In a similar vein, a week ago I experienced a business that demonstrates how joy and collaboration combine in a great business model.

At iFLY you get to experience skydiving indoors in a safe and fun environment.  Here’s me in the flight chamber…

[youtube]https://youtu.be/7r9HLabS2DI[/youtube]

What was really cool is that the environment is set up as a really fun, iconic experience.  And a lot of what makes it that way is the instructors.  They have really great instructors who you can tell really love their jobs.

I even talked to one as I was leaving and he shared that he liked it so much himself that he took a job there so he could enjoy it that much more.

And part of what makes it fun for them and for the participants is that in addition to helping a group skydive for the first time, the instructors also get the opportunity to do their own freestyle show at the end of each group’s session.  It is fun for everyone to watch and the instructors get to do something other than plod along day in and day out with newbies.  They get their adrenaline fix too several times a day.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpDd–VubQQ[/youtube]

And that then brings me to my own experience the last couple days with a company regional management session.

The goal was collaboration to improve results and provide best practices across the various markets.  It is kind of funny how the work functions that are not all about work often get the best results.

After the first day’s meetings were completed we had an offsite dinner as a group.  That is where you really get to know people and work and non-work related ideas and stories just pop up randomly.  And from that random discussion, future collaborations and business growth and alignment opportunities spring forth.

Hanging out with Nick, Holly, Katie and Ryan was awesome.  And it was fun and collaborative that then spilled over into the next day’s session.

Thank you guys for a great couple of days.

So as you look at your work life, home life, or play life, what are you doing to get the most from your days and nights?  Are you bringing joy to the party?  Are you being open, contributing, and collaborating with others?  If you are, like Prince and iFLY, you will bring out your best talents, contribute more, and just have more fun.

Now get out there an enjoy!