Interview with Jenn Lim: Discovering Happiness (3 Things You Need To Know Series)

Summary

In this insightful interview, Jenn Lim, CEO of Delivering Happiness, discusses the evolving concept of happiness in the workplace and in life. She shares key principles from her new book, 'Beyond Happiness,' emphasizing the importance of autonomy, purpose, and meaningful connections. Jenn explores how recent global challenges have shifted our perspectives on happiness, highlighting the need for resilience, human-centered leadership, and aligning personal and organizational values. This conversation offers valuable insights on creating more sustainable and fulfilling work environments while nurturing personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The definition of happiness is subjective and varies from person to person, but it’s also based on scientific principles, including autonomy, progress, connectedness, and purpose.
• 😀 Scientific research on happiness shows that the most sustainable form of happiness is having a higher purpose and working towards something greater than oneself.
• 😀 Happiness should not be confused with fleeting pleasures or superficial representations seen on social media, but rather with deeper, more meaningful factors.
• 😀 The global challenges since 2020 have prompted a reassessment of what happiness means, with a focus on finding purpose and meaning amidst external uncertainties.
• 😀 People have become more open about discussing mental health and happiness, acknowledging that authentic leadership involves caring for people beyond just work performance.
• 😀 Companies and individuals have started to prioritize personal values and humanity in the workplace, shifting away from rigid, work-only expectations towards more flexible, human-centric environments.
• 😀 Leaders are now encouraged to show vulnerability and share personal challenges, making the workplace more relatable and emotionally supportive.
• 😀 The pandemic reset has made it more acceptable to talk about things like love, care, and kindness at work, with leaders becoming more respected for being authentic.
• 😀 Personal values are now a crucial part of workplace culture, and employees seek alignment between their individual purpose and the company’s mission.
• 😀 The concept of self-actualization is important, and it’s necessary for individuals to nurture their own personal growth, alongside helping others in their organizations.
• 😀 Purpose-driven companies like Airbnb, Tom’s, and Starbucks are showing how aligning company values with personal purpose can lead to both employee fulfillment and organizational success.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this interview?

The main topic of the interview is happiness, specifically exploring what it really means in today's world and how we can achieve it in both personal and professional contexts. Jenn Lim shares insights from her work with Delivering Happiness and her new book, *Beyond Happiness*.

What is Delivering Happiness, and what does it aim to achieve?

Delivering Happiness is a company co-founded by Jenn Lim and Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of Zappos. It focuses on creating happier company cultures that lead to more profitable and sustainable businesses. The company started from a bestselling book and has since evolved into a global movement and consultancy.

How does Jenn Lim define happiness, based on scientific research?

Jenn Lim highlights that true happiness, according to scientific research, is rooted in four key factors: autonomy, progress, deep connections with others, and most importantly, having a sense of higher purpose. These elements contribute to sustainable and meaningful happiness.

What is the 'Beyond Happiness Palooza' event Jenn Lim mentions?

'Beyond Happiness Palooza' is a special event around the launch of Jenn's new book, *Beyond Happiness*. The event is designed to spark a conversation about the evolving definition of happiness, especially in the context of societal and workplace changes, and to explore what lies beyond traditional happiness.

Why does Jenn believe that the meaning of happiness has changed in recent years?

Jenn explains that the pandemic and its associated challenges, such as loss, grief, and uncertainty, have led many to reconsider their understanding of happiness. This has pushed society to redefine happiness, moving beyond fleeting pleasures to more meaningful, grounded concepts related to purpose and values.

How has the conversation around happiness and humanity changed in the workplace?

Jenn points out that in the wake of global events like the pandemic, leaders at all levels are increasingly acknowledging the importance of humanity in the workplace. The discussion around mental health, vulnerability, and personal values has become more open, with leaders now encouraged to show empathy and share personal struggles as part of fostering a supportive work environment.

What does Jenn mean by 'grounding ourselves in our purpose and values'?

Grounding oneself in purpose and values means having a clear understanding of what matters most to you on a day-to-day basis, especially in times of external uncertainty. It helps guide decisions and promotes resilience when facing challenges, as it provides a sense of direction and stability.

Why does Jenn Lim use the metaphor of a greenhouse in her book?

The greenhouse metaphor represents how leaders must nurture their own growth (their 'greenhouse') before they can effectively support and nurture the growth of others. It emphasizes self-care and the importance of putting on your own oxygen mask first, as leaders cannot fully help others if they don't prioritize their own well-being.

What is the key takeaway from the third point Jenn makes about happiness?

The third point Jenn makes is that happiness in the workplace now involves aligning personal purpose and values with those of the organization. It's not enough for employees to live by a company’s values; they must also be able to live by their own values to find true fulfillment in their work.

How has the conversation about values and purpose in the workplace evolved, according to Jenn?

Jenn notes that over the past few years, especially during the pandemic, companies have become more vocal about their mission and values. Employees, too, are asking themselves whether their work aligns with their personal values and purpose. This shift has led to a more integrated approach where both organizational and personal values are recognized as crucial for long-term happiness and success.