The Agile Mindset Series (Part 4: Happiness Hormones: Superb Strong Serotonin)

Peak Performance and incremental intrinsic motivation at the workplace are some of the bi-products of a well crafted Agile culture. Triggering happiness is today’s focus as we reach the end of this four-part series on “The Agile Mindset”.

Before I go any further, let me share the background and the science behind happiness and the key role serotonin plays in the making of this phenomenon.

Overall wellness and regulation of moods is the core function of this neurotransmitter, aka serotonin.

There are a few simple ways to stimulate this crucial happiness hormone. For those of us who have studied the biochemistry of happiness at a deeper level, we know of serotonin as the hormone of contentment. The chemical helps to counteract stress and getting a dose of this chemical is fairly easy. Now, let me explain why I try to infuse a work culture with serotonin on a regular basis, and how:

To answer the first part of the question, I want you to understand that the stimulation of serotonin helps cultivate a culture where employees feel safe. Knowing that others are there to support you and will step up to help you creates a sense of belonging and togetherness, which is -- as research has shown -- when serotonin levels peak.

And when you regularly pursue things that are meaningful and reinforce your sense of purpose with people standing beside you, cheering you on, the feeling of achievement builds your self-esteem and give you the confidence you need to conquer another heavy task. And those who regularly do this are likely to be creative, innovate, and excellent decision-makers because they have stepped out of their comfort zones to familiarize themselves with the unknown.

I also, regularly try and make it a point to appreciate others openly, because, simply put, this small act of kindness produces a lot of serotonin. And these acts extend to my colleagues in the office and to the most important people at home. I can visibly see the effect it has on the room when I've appreciated my wife's cooking, or at work, when I've commended Ali for pushing through the work to meet an important deadline. When it is done, in front of others, it does not just make my wife feel good about herself, but it is great for boosting morale in the family. And it does not just make Ali feel good about himself, but it is great for boosting morale in the team.

Here’s another example of a serotonin explosion: In one of my early Agile experiences, I remember a moment of working with colorful post-it notes and a blank canvas, collaborating with other employees, and doing it with such glee. I remember thinking “Wow. I am so incredibly lucky that I get to have this much fun at work.” It was only many years later that I figured out the reason why. Color can help to stimulate serotonin. There is something pleasing and satisfying seeing a colorful KanBan board or a window covered with colorful sticky notes. The same way it is much more inspiring to work in a vibrant, well-decorated office than one with gray walls and boring office furniture.

While colorful sticky notes are pretty basic, I inject this color philosophy wherever I can; whether it is in a spreadsheet or in my marketing materials, I want everyone to feel a sense of joy, no matter how small it is.

The color goes hand in hand with light. Yes, I'm the sort of person who insists on having only yellow lighting at home (energy-saving, of course) and will bask in the sunlight on bright, beautiful days. I insist on this in the workplace too. While I understand that white lights are pretty standard in the office, I'll ask for the blinds to be open, or I'll take the team to do their daily standups in the park (sometimes while planking for a shot of endorphins). While outside meetings may cut a little more time out of the day, the serotonin production from sunlight is phenomenal, resulting in positive mental health.

Now that I've explained a little bit of the why?, I get to the how. With the knowledge that not all of my readers are at the same level with regards to Agility, I've split the following suggestions into three categories, for your convenience: basic, intermediate, and experienced.

For those of you just starting out with Agile, I recommend this: Initiating, participating, observing, and receiving selfless appreciation produces serotonin and boosts intrinsic motivation for an extended state of happiness.

So, appreciate good progress of the team publicly and try to highlight the positive contributions beyond direct work deliverables

For mature teams maybe somewhere in the middle of their Agile journey, I recommend focusing on the power of positivity, which plays a huge role in bonding. For those of you who want to turn the heat up, take on a challenge. Just like oxytocin, serotonin is boosted every time we achieve. Even the happy memory of achievement can give you a slight boost.

For those at this level, you can also try to stimulate serotonin with these ideas:

Share a short story of past success at a team meeting and ask the team to reflect on that feeling of joy. You will see the smiles filling the room.

Also, at a retrospective, help the team share the best moments of teamwork, especially beyond direct work deliverables

For those who have been in an Agile environment for years, the above might already be a norm or a common practice. Here is a fresh idea that can make a difference. Sunshine and outdoor activity play a key role in serotonin production.

So, for those of you who are already advanced, try this:

Take your team out of the office building to the nearest green area. It could be a park or even just a tree in the parking lot. Choose a sunny pleasant day and run a retrospective outdoors. Make sure that the positive ideas of what is working well and suggestions for improvement are captured. Rest assured, you will have a long list of positivity in play as the smiles and sunshine produce serotonin at its peak.

In summary, whether it is your spouse cooking a family meal, your team members performing well, or your team trying hard to meet the deadline: happiness hormones are generated with mindfulness and a little bit of empathy.

Initiating, participating, observing, and receiving selfless appreciation produces serotonin and boosts intrinsic motivation for an extended state of happiness.

In the end, I would like to thank you for reading the above thoughts. Hopefully, you are benefiting from them. You are a true star. My final request to you is to take a deep breath and smile.

Let happiness be yours.

Previous publications on this series are:

The Agile Mindset Series Part 1 of 4: Energised Everyday Endorphins

The Agile Mindset Series Part 2 of 4: Driven Daily Dopamine

The Agile Mindset Series Part 3 of 4: Optimistic Overt Oxytocin

P.S: Stay tuned for the summary of this four-part series in the concluding thoughts on Agile Mindset based on Endocrinology where I describe the advanced coaching techniques to generate crucial happiness hormones through Agile Ceremonies while developing an Agile Mindset.