10 Things Happy Leaders Do Differently

You may know a leader or two or ten who lead well but wouldn’t be the person you’d choose to hang around. You know who I’m talking about? You probably even have a picture in your head of these unhappy leaders.

I know you don’t want to be unhappy as a leader. You know there’s a better way. And there is.

What makes a leader happy?

Image by Glenn Waters

Examining happy leaders, I’ve come to the conclusion leaders who are happy do things differently. They make different choices. They lead different lives.

Let’s see what happy leaders do differently.

Exercise: Happy leaders know they need to take care of their bodies so they have the stamina to make it through the demands of leadership. The more active you are, the better the chance you’ll be happy.

Care: Happy leaders care for their team. They know they wouldn’t be in the leadership position they’re in if it wasn’t for the people they’re leading.

Relax: Happy leaders know they need to take a break here and there. Whether it’s a vacation in Tahiti or an extended weekend, relaxation helps make leaders happy.

Share: Happy leaders know they can’t keep everything to themselves. Being willing to be open and share what’s going on within the organization and with themselves alleviates the stress and pressure a leader may feel.

Eat: Happy leaders know they need to eat. But it’s not just the eating that’s helpful to making a leader happy. It’s who they’re eating with. Eating can be a catalyst in getting to know others.

Teach: Happy leaders are also teachers. They love to see others learn and grow. If they’re a part of that growth, all the better!

Help: Happy leaders are always looking for the next person they can help. Is it Tim in shipping who’s struggling to get through school? Or is it John on the product launch team who needs a helping hand to move up the ladder? Happy leaders know to look for someone to help.

Quiet: Happy leaders realize quiet times are a godsend. They are able to break away and find a little time to themselves to recharge and think on what they’re learning. By turning off your cell phone notifications, email alerts, or alarm clocks you can get away from it all.

Pass: Happy leaders are willing to pass on ideas that don’t align with their vision. Leaders come across many great ideas but not everything is a good fit. Knowing when to pass on an idea can bring much happiness to your life.

Laugh: Happy leaders are fond of laughing. What else signifies that you’re happy and vibrant better than a laugh? I don’t know if I can think of anything else that does it better. So, go out and have a laugh today.

Question: What are you doing that makes you a happy leader? Please share what you do differently in the comment section below.

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