People Leadership: Leading by Connection

As we wrap up our first official year here at Happy, I have found myself reflecting back on the road that led us here. Our story goes back far beyond just the past year. It has roots planted in many years of building teams and leading companies.? This path has been filled with discovery, learning, and a passion to figuring out the ways to unlock true leadership. Recently, my co-founder Megan Cook offered her insights into how she arrived at Happy. I think it’s a great example of how people-focused leadership can unlock the power (and productivity) of teams. .

Evolution in Leadership & Lessons in Empathy

Megan's story, which she shared in our latest Happy at Work blog post, resonates deeply with my beliefs. She emphasizes a critical truth that I strongly believe in: the success of any organization fundamentally depends on its people. Her role in steering Happy's operations is underpinned by this philosophy. She focuses not just on the business aspect but more importantly, on nurturing a supportive and understanding culture.?

It was early into our time working together that I introduced her to our leadership coach. I think that was one of the first times she was really exposed to the idea of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in management and leadership. This concept, championed by thinkers like Daniel Goleman, has been instrumental in shifting our understanding from traditional, bottom-line-focused leadership to one that values empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to connect genuinely with our team.?

Megan's personal journey to becoming a more empathetic leader is a testament to the power of self-discovery. Her initial focus on tasks and efficiency evolved into a more people-centric approach. It's a transformation that I've witnessed and admired. She embraced the challenges of connecting with others and balancing empathy with accountability.?

Finding Common Ground Through Understanding

And while our working relationship has been over a decade in the making, as she shares in her article it wasn’t always easy. In fact, our collaboration is a prime example of how differing workstyles can create a dynamic and successful partnership. Megan's analytical and reflective approach may seem at odds with my intuitive and action-oriented style. Our ability to understand and adapt to each other's differences has enriched our working relationship. It has also laid the groundwork for what Happy stands for today.?

Happy is more than just a product or a company. It's a reflection of our belief in the transformative power of understanding and connecting with people. The platform we've built was created around these shared experiences and insights. It offers tools and strategies to enhance workplace communication, collaboration, and understanding.?

Our Commitment to Creating Happiness at Work

Our vision for Happy extends beyond just creating a successful product. It's about fostering workplaces where understanding, empathy, and genuine connections are at the forefront. We believe that when people feel understood and empowered, they not only excel in their roles. They also contribute to a happier, more fulfilling work environment.?

At Happy, we're dedicated to helping you build a more connected workplace, one where every team member can thrive. I invite you to explore the full blog post to read more about how we are redefining leadership and teamwork.?

As a bonus - you’ll get the treat of seeing a picture of me in a cow costume, a story I don’t want to spoil for you here but which certainly shows my commitment to making my team smile.?