happy blogs

6 Tips for Giving & Receiving Constructive Feedback

Learning how to give and receive constructive feedback is an essential tool in both your personal and work life.

[Video] Why Every Company Needs a Chief Happiness Officer

Henry was inspired by Alex Kjerulf of Woohoo! inc to change his job title from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Happiness Officer – as this better expresses what the CEO of an organisation should be doing. Watch the video to find out more.

People management is a crucial role, and it is different from leadership.

Are Leaders in Charge?

Henry Stewart speaks to the Eth Word about leadership and the concept of being 'in charge' of Happy. "I don’t think about being in charge, I think about trying to inspire people here and elsewhere, and enabling them to be their best," says Henry.

30 Years of Happiness

In the summer of 1987 I wrote in my diary that I could never imagine being happy again. The newspaper I had helped set up, News on Sunday, was on the verge of collapse. Our 200 employees would lose their jobs and the backers would lose their investment. I felt totally crushed, and close to a breakdown. 30 years on, life feels rather different. Happy is a thriving business. We help people become more productive with their software and we help organisations to create happy, productive workplaces. It gives me a lift every time I walk into our colourful, friendly training centre.

What If the Boss Makes No Decisions?

As a manager, do you see your role as the expert, with responsibility for making key decisions? Do you find your people coming to you for those decisions, even when they know what to do?

Why You Should Give Staff Freedom Within Clear Guidelines

Henry Stewart speaks to the Eth Word about management and creating freedom within clear guidelines for staff. "Most people don't want complete freedom," argues Henry. "If you ask them, 90% or more say 'we don't want to be told what to do... we want some guidelines, and then the freedom to operate within those.' And that's what we work hard to create, so that people feel... in control of their job. They can do stuff and know what the boundaries are."

Dear CEO: Let Your People Choose Their Managers

I was honoured to be asked by Thinkers50 to contribute a letter to their Dear CEO book, published in July 2017. Here is my contribution.

Save 15% With Our Project Management Bundle

Managing a project effectively can be a real headache. As well as keeping track of various tasks, priorities, teams, and deadlines, you have to ensure your project is delivered on-time and on-budget too.

Recruit for Attitude, Train for Skill in Practice

One of Happy’s key principles is “Recruit for Attitude, Train for Skill” – but what does this mean in practice?