Tia Graham has poured almost 2 decades of research into understanding how to both inform and educate on building a lifetime of happiness. She is on a mission to teach people how to connect with their happiness and encourage others around them. With the surge in millions leaving jobs due to unhappiness, her book, Be a Happy Leader, could not have come at a better time. We were thrilled to get the opportunity to chat with her and better understand what being a happy leader meant and who we all have the opportunity to become one!
First off, how have you seen leadership change since the pandemic?
Leaders have become more aware of people’s holistic lives, not just who they are at work. Leaders have had to elevate their listening, empathy, vulnerability, and compassion over the past 2 years. The Great Resignation has forced leaders to increase the well-being offering that organizations offer and reassess people’s work life balance. A lot of people are overwhelmed and overworked and are evaluating what they truly want in life and with work. The leaders of tomorrow must prioritize their own happiness and that of their teams.
Why do you focus on “Happy” rather than any other emotion?
Happiness is not an emotion. There are 70+ pleasant and “feel good” emotions and 70+ painful, difficult, and unpleasant emotions. A happy life is more pleasant than painful, but all humans have difficult experiences and feelings. I chose to focus on being a happy leader because I have always lived my life with an internal happiness compass. To me, happy leaders are positive, optimistic, connected, and supportive. I also researched and received multiple certifications in the science of happiness (positive psychology) and am a Certified Chief Happiness Officer for happiness at work. When leaders and employees are happy, they are more motivated, engaged, creative, and productive. Happy Leaders and happy teams also create happy customers!
Has the change from in person work to work from home changed the way you approach your work with leaders?
Yes, as people are more isolated, disconnected, and lonely than prior to the start of the pandemic. There is an increased focus on human connection, belonging, open conversation, and fostering friendships. These have always been important, but the need is higher now.
In your opinion, can someone be a good leader without being a happy leader?
No, not in my opinion. If a leader is not content and happy themselves, it will be extremely difficult to be a successful leader. Research has shown that leaders who are positive are more successful in every single business metric. A happy leader is not “happy” all of the time, but they prioritize their spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional well-being. They take care of their people and their emotions are contagions in a positive way.
What is the trickle down effect of not having a happy leader?
Turnover, unhappy customers, lower productivity, creativity and innovation is stifled, lower sales, poor teamwork, and more. Unhappy, disengaged cost organizations a huge amount of profit.
What are the key differences between a happy leader and miserable leader? Also, what are the key differences between a happy employee and a miserable employee? Do they overlap?
A happy leader is healthy, positive, optimistic, open-minded, vulnerable, authentic, team-oriented, trustworthy, and magnetic.
A miserable leader is chronically stressed, unhealthy, overwhelmed, angry, anxious, and so on.
Yes, happy employees and happy leaders overlap. Happiness is universal and human.
Fast 5:
What’s the first thing you do every morning:
Drink water – then coffee
What’s the last thing you do every night:
Kiss my husband goodnight
What app can’t you live without:
Insight Timer – meditation app
What book do we need to read:
What business or person should we have our eye on:
Make sure to join Tia and Riveter Head of Marketing, Mara, for a Riveting Talk, tomorrow on Instagram at 3pm PT/ 6pm ET.
