Creative Reaction

As I was writing the previous post, The Power of Happiness, I noticed Harvard Business Publishing’s Discussion Leader Blog was also linking to the same research. They add a managerial perspective to the discussion in Why You Need to Be a Happier Manager.

The post links to other articles on the contagious happiness study from NYT and Time Magazine, and then offers these tips for managers (which I’ve summarized):

• Resolve to cheer - It is a leader’s obligation to spread confidence.
• Pick your moments - Especially when people need encouragement.
• Keep on doing it - Persevere.

“A happy workplace… (makes) coming to work a more pleasant experience. Productivity even improves, and so too does engagement.”

Happiness does not make up for an organization’s shortcomings, though along with a great product and excellent service, it is clearly an ingredient for success.