I am someone who is incredibly interested in human behavior and psychology as it relates to individual, team and organizational performance and potential. The book, The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work really captured my attention. I found myself highlighting, folding page corners, and making notes directly on several pages. There were a few instances were those closest to me had to request time outs from my excitement of learning and enthusiasm to share, and my multiple exclamations beginning with “did you know that…”
The main premise of the book was the criticality of happiness linked to individual, team and organizational success and performance. The author spent a dozen years researching and proctoring Harvard students to isolate the various patterns. He found 7 specific patterns which he refers to as the seven principles. The seven principles are: the happiness advantage, the fulcrum and the lever, the Tetris effect, falling up, the Zorro circle, the 20-second rule and the social investment.
I found the research studies and findings to be incredibly fascinating. I believe this book is relevant to business leaders and professionals in HR and OD. Especially as they often times lead and influence change and consider programs aligned to enhance and sustain success and performance in the workplace.
As I read the book, I thought of many HR aspects that would benefit from the incredibly relevant research and findings. This book’s research and recommendations align with several of the HR disciplines such as employee relations, staffing and recruiting, and development. It discussed correlations regarding recognition and feedback, engagement, performance management, building trust and rapport. Additionally, research along various principles touched on onboarding, job satisfaction, retention, leadership, habits, change and goal setting, motivation and self-awareness.
In closing, for business leaders and HR professionals, I highly recommend this book!
