Bright Lights, Good Energy: Inside the Rodeo Where Utility Crews Steal the Show
Lineworkers rarely get the spotlight unless something goes wrong, but today is their day to shine.
Let’s be honest—some days, work is just hard.
Not in the abstract, hustle-culture kind of way, but in the very real sense that life itself can feel heavy. Still, we show up. We work through it. And sometimes, it’s the smallest moments—a laugh, a spark, a shift—that carry us forward.
For Entergy lineworkers—who spend their days in sweltering heat and frigid cold, climbing poles, repairing wires, and restoring power in the wake of storms—that moment came in the form of a rodeo.
Each year, Entergy—a regional utility powering 3 million customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas—invites crews from across the region to compete, connect, and show off their chops in a high-skill event that’s as feel-good as it is formidable. More than just a chance to showcase skills or spark camaraderie, Entergy’s annual Lineman Rodeo is a deliberate investment in joy—complete with lively music, face paint, shaved ice, and activities the whole family can enjoy.
In addition to the prizes and placements awarded to competitors who demonstrated mastery of their craft, the real win was connection—a reminder that morale matters. Because in a role built on uptime, deadlines, and real risk, the grid we rely on isn’t just powered by infrastructure. It’s powered by people.
Positive Current is powered by FutureForce.
Culture Is Built in Moments—Here’s Why They Matter
Whether you're on the line or behind a desk, the energy you feel at work matters. Joy isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s profitable. A true win-win. And the data backs it up.
Joy isn’t a distraction—it’s a strategy. Employees who experience positive emotions at work are more productive, more engaged, and more loyal. According to Gallup, engaged employees show 21% higher profitability and are 59% less likely to look for a new job.
Recognition boosts retention. When people feel seen and celebrated—even in small ways—their sense of belonging deepens. OC Tanner reports that regular recognition leads to a 63% increase in job satisfaction and a 52% drop in burnout.
Culture isn’t built in memos—it’s built in moments. A team lunch, a shared laugh, a friendly competition: these are the moments that create connection. And connection is what drives performance, trust, and resilience.
If you lead a team, ask yourself: When’s the last time your people had fun at work? And if you don’t lead one? Ask for what you need. Culture isn’t handed down—it’s co-created.
Because when people feel good at work, they don’t just show up. They shine.