University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Beyond Happiness
Book

Beyond Happiness

How Authentic Leaders Prioritize Purpose and People for Growth and Impact

Jenn Lim
Grand Central, 2021
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Bold
  • Overview
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Jenn Lim, CEO of the consulting firm Delivering Happiness, argues that when a business’s values and purpose empowers its employees, both its bottom line and society benefit. She urges people, teams, organizations and communities to identify and pursue their inspiring values and purpose, and to use them to focus on long-term outcomes, not short-term wins. This model of stakeholder capitalism can unlock success for you, your stakeholders and your community – a “triple win.”

Summary

To thrive in this Adaptive Age of rapid change, build a culture that values people.

The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted much of what society took for granted. Technology and social change have accelerated in unprecedented ways, leaving many struggling to cope and adapt. The pandemic compounded the stresses and divisions already pulling at the economic and social fabric.

In this environment, people and organizations should focus on controlling and changing the circumstances they can affect, and accepting and adapting to the circumstances they can not.

In chaotic environments, organizations that thrive prioritize the well-being of their people and the stakeholders in their larger community. Treating people humanely – as assets, not liabilities – helps companies become more resilient. Hard times reveal the character of individuals and businesses.

Measure success by the double ROI – earning strong financial results while helping stakeholders lead meaningful lives.

What you measure shapes your strategy. Organizations prosper in the Adaptive Age by measuring what serves everyone’s interests – not only management...

About the Author

Jenn Lim is co-founder and CEO of Delivering Happiness (DH), a business consultancy.

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