Delivering Happiness
BOOK REVIEWS
“Happiness isn’t just a perk—it’s a business strategy.”
In Delivering Happiness, Tony Hsieh shares the story behind building Zappos, a company that didn’t just aim to sell shoes but set out to create happiness for its customers and employees. Through personal anecdotes, business lessons, and a dash of humor, Hsieh shows how focusing on delivering happiness can lead to incredible results, both in business and in life.
Why This Book Matters
Business books can sometimes feel a bit dry and, well, “businessy.” But Delivering Happiness is different. Hsieh doesn’t just talk about numbers and strategies; he talks about values, purpose, and what it means to really care about people. This book isn’t just about building a successful company; it’s about creating a culture where people genuinely love what they do and customers feel that love. For leaders who want to think beyond profits and truly inspire their teams, Delivering Happiness offers an honest and refreshing approach to building something meaningful.
Key Takeaways for Future Success
Make Happiness a Priority: The main idea is simple—happy employees create happy customers. Hsieh emphasizes that when you focus on making people happy, everything else (like profits and growth) tends to fall into place.
Culture Isn’t Just a Buzzword: A strong company culture isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation. The Zappos story shows that when you align your company’s values with actions, you create a culture that attracts and retains passionate people.
Embrace Weirdness and Fun: Hsieh wasn’t afraid to do things differently—whether it was encouraging employees to be a little quirky or offering customer service that goes above and beyond. Sometimes, it’s those unique touches that set you apart and make people feel connected to your brand.
Putting into Practice
I read Delivering Happiness several years ago and have been using the learnings in my work. The book made me think about how much time we spend focusing on metrics and efficiency while often forgetting about the human element. After finishing the book, I started paying more attention to the little things that could brighten someone’s day—whether it was giving a teammate a complement or just cracking a joke during a tough meeting. I even took a few cues from Zappos and started experimenting with ways to make our team’s workspace a bit more fun, including dancing on the floor. It’s amazing how small gestures can go a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.
Quote to Remember
“Your culture is your brand.”
This quote really drives home the idea that what you stand for isn’t just about what you sell—it’s about the kind of environment you create and the way you treat people, both inside and outside your company.
How It Helps You Look Ahead
Delivering Happiness is more than just a business book; it’s a reminder that there’s more to work than hitting targets. It’s about creating a place where people want to be and where customers can feel the difference. As we look to the future, Hsieh’s insights remind us that when you make happiness part of your strategy, you’re not only building a successful business—you’re building a legacy that people will remember. So, go ahead and sprinkle a little happiness wherever you can—it’s good for business and good for the soul.