Dancing With the Workplace Stars?

The big thing in my house this week has been Dancing With the Stars.  Yes, I know it’s a little cheesy…well, a LOT cheesy but I do love it.  I like seeing who the “stars” are going to be and I love the fact that each season I typically don’t know who 1/3 or them are.  I sit an think “who the heck IS that?” and wonder why they are on the show.  The answer is that they are stars to someone and that’s why they are on the show.  The formula doesn’t change much.  They take a few soap-operaish people, a few pro athletes, a few comedians, a couple hotties that actually may have dance skills, and voila!  A show is born.

As much as I may criticize it, it’s a lot like the workplace.  Mine and yours all have those people that SOMEONE deems as having star quality and we just scratch our heads.  Here are some comparisons to this season’s cast and the employees you’ll find in the workplace:

Kurt Warner–  Kurt is a beloved quarterback.  Obviously special to me because he was our Superbowl winning Rams quarterback.  Not known for speed and grace though, he isn’t necessarily someone who will do well dancing.  He’s also a little bit of a has been…..gasp!  I said it.  BUT, still loved and respected.  He’s like that guy at work that used to be the superstar.  He owned the world, blew the clients away, crushed all sales goals.  Now he’s a little burned out and may not be excelling at the level he used to, but still looked to as the solid leader for what he accomplished “back in the day”.

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino–  Mike is best know for his fist-pumping on the show Jersey Shore.  He drinks, he plays women, and he is generally involved in drama.  He’s like some of the new hires you have on board who are still in party mode from college.  Back on campus they were popular and now they bring that cocky attitude to work.  The interesting thing about Mike is that on Dancing With the Stars, we’re already seeing a more humble, softer side of him.  And, like him, your newer staff will calm down and settle into the groove.

Florence Henderson–  There representing the older demographic, Florence is bringing comedy and a little cursing to the season.  Her dancing is not great and she’ll never win, but everyone loves her.  How could you not love someone who played Mrs. Brady, the mom we all grew to love?  We all have co-workers like Florence.  They’re funny, have to be the jokester, and generally act a little crazy.  They are the people in meetings where everyone holds their breath waiting to see what will pop out of their mouths.  It could be good, it could be a bombshell.  Watch out!

Audrina Patridge and Kyle Massey–  My thought…..who are these people?  At work, they are the “stars” of someone else’s department that you’ve never heard of.  They may be good, but the organization doesn’t know it yet.

Jennifer Gray–  The sweetheart that played Baby in Dirty Dancing is back.  She’s older and has had a nose job that completely changed her look.  But we’re all pulling for her to do well because it seems like if she can do well, so can the rest of us.  At work, she’s the colleague that everyone loves.  She can do no wrong and is always focused on making sure everyone is happy.  You want to work with her because she’s solid and fun to be around.  Plus and plus.

There are many other contestants such as Rick Fox, Margaret Cho, and David Hasselhoff.  The Hoff!  Yes, they even threw in a couple hot messes for our viewing pleasure.  I’d like to hear who you’re rooting for in the comments AND if you work with anyone like these people.