CHAPTER 3People
Our research showed an unsurprising driver of joy at work: the people we work with. People reported feeling joy when they were having fun and socializing at work. Those human connections aren't something extra or nice to have. They can drive overall job satisfaction and build trust on teams.
Think about the jobs from your past that you enjoyed the most. What do you remember about your work? For me, it's the people. I remember the teams. The collaboration, brainstorming sessions, after‐hours teamwork, lunches, laughter, and conversations. My colleagues are my friends. My clients are my friends. I have always been a big fan of a team‐based culture.
Maybe that's why I love sports. The connective power of joy is clearly visible in sports. When a team performs at its awe‐inspiring best, overcoming its limitations and challenges, every player—indeed, the entire arena—experiences a brimming ecstasy that lifts the team even further. Success sparks joy. Joy fuels further success. Everyone is caught up in the moment.
As a leader, I think about our people and the culture they build with each other. And here's why: I know that people are our renewable energy source. If you don't motivate and energize people, you're not going to solve any of the big challenges your organization is facing or the problems we're facing in the world such as climate change and social injustice. No matter how much technology and automation you introduce to your organization, your core work likely ...
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