Are you easily distracted? If you are like many (and myself) keeping a tight focus on the task at hand can be a challenge. Oh look, a bright shiny object… In his research on mind-wandering, Matthew Killingsworth shows how losing focus on the job reduces both happiness and productivity.  In fact, it appears that about half of our waking hours are spent thinking about what isn’t going on. Yikes. It seems then that a good idea for managers is to look for ways to help their themselves and their team members stay focused.

Be Here, Now

It seems that no matter what people are doing, they are much less happy when their minds are wandering than when they are focused. Killingsworth argues that in order to optimize our emotional wellbeing, we should pay at least as much attention to where our minds are as to what our bodies are doing. Interestingly, this seems to echo the message of spiritual teacher Ekhart Tolle  whose primary message is about living in the “now”.

Mind Wandering & Productivity

Data suggests that letting your mind take a stroll down the garden path reduces productivity, even if you do creative knowledge work. Even if your mind rambles to positive thoughts, it does little to impact your productivity. If your mind ambles into negative territory, your output is curbed markedly. Thus, managers might want to look for ways to help employees stay focused, for both the employees’ sake and the company’s sake.

A Simple Tool

Back in December, I wrote about a simple yet powerful technique that I believe deserves repeating. In order to minimize mind wandering and increase focus, simply set a timer to go off every hour and ask yourself the following two questions:

1. Am I doing what I most need to be doing right now?
2. Am I being who I most need to be right now?

So if you want to increase the happiness & workplace productivity of yourself or your team, try the above strategy and let me know the results. If you’re like me, you just may be surprised at how impactful these 2 simple questions are.

The chorus is growing. Happy people are more creative and productive. Recent work by noted psychologist and organizational expert Daniel Gilbert adds yet more heft.  The problem is that many managers believe that you have to keep people “on their toes,” perhaps even anxious about their job to make them more productive. Fact is that there exist no data that shows that anxious, fearful people are more creative or productive. Given the global tumult effecting western economies, I would argue that now, more than ever, it is important to ensure your employees are happy. Would it not make sense to have your human capital at its best during the toughest times in recent history?

Sources of Happiness

The findings of the science behind happiness may surprise you:

1. A primary ingredient is having a robust social network of friends and family. In fact, Gallup researchers Tom Rath & Jim Harter point out that we need six hours of socializing a day.

2. Frequency of happy moments is important. It is not necessarily how good a particular experience was as much as how many good experiences you have. Having a dozen small good things happen in a day is better than having one fantastic thing. Happiness appears to be the sum of hundreds of small things.

Like weight loss, there is no magic pill that gives instant results. Happiness is the result of small daily steps over time.

How to Increase Happiness

The main things to commit to include: meditating, exercising, getting enough sleep, and to practice altruism. This last point isn’t yet commonplace in business literature yet but is well articulated by the work of Robert Emmon.  Volunteering or helping others is a great way to achieve this.

The last piece is a simple yet powerful tool: practice gratitude by writing down at least twice a week three things you’re grateful for. As Gilbert says, “these sound like homilies form grandmother…but your grandmother was smart. The secret of happiness is like the secret of weight loss: It’s not a secret!”

So if you want to improve workplace productivity and hit your competitors hard, why not start with the basics? The path to increased happiness leads to increased productivity and creativity.

No matter what the state of the economy, research shows that the best way to sustain a consistently high performing workforce is to have a happy workforce. In their work on creating sustainable performance, Gretchen Spreitzer and Christine demonstrate the foundation of long term business success. Their message is simple: If you give your employees the chance to learn and grow, they’ll thrive – and so will your organization.

What does it mean to be happy in your job? For Spreitzer & Porath, it means to ‘thrive’. A thriving workforce is one where employees not just satisfied and productive but also engaged in creating the future – the company’s and their own. Thriving employees are highly energized and, importantly, they know how to avoid burnout.

Serious Impact

If you remain skeptical, here’s some numbers. People who thrive have:

• 16% – 27% better performance
•  125% less burnout (read: big impact!)
•  32% more committed to the organization
• 46% more satisfied with their jobs.

People who thrive also miss less work and have fewer doctor visits. This means significant health care savings and less lost time due to absenteeism. This is further backed up by recent work from Gallup which demonstrates that having high levels of wellbeing is good for both employee and employer alike.

Two Components

Spreitzer & Porath point to two underlying components of thriving: vitality and learning.

Vitality is the sense of being alive, passionate, and excited. Employees who experience vitality spark energy in themselves and others. Companies generate vitality by giving people the sense that what they do on a daily basis makes a difference.

Learning is the growth that comes from gaining new knowledge and skills. Learning triggers a virutous cycle: People who are developing their abilities tend to believe in their potential for further growth.

The two qualities work in concert. One requires the other. Each alone is unsustainable over the long term. The combination of vitality and learning is powerful.  It leads to people who deliver results and find ways to grow.

How To Help Your People Thrive

The best part is that leaders can spark a culture that supports people to thrive without dramatic measures or huge chunks of change. There are 4 mechanisms that set the foundation for employees to thrive. Like learning and vitality, all are necessary.

1. Provide Decision-Making Discretion – Empower your people at every level to have more say in the decisions effecting their work. This will energize them and provide them with a greater sense of control.
2. Share Information – Working in a vacuum sucks. It neither inspires or feeds innovation. Workplaces that make information widely available build trust and gives people the knowledge they need to make good decisions and take initiative with confidence.
3. Minimize Incivility – I can’t emphasize this enough. The costs of incivility are great. Employees who experience uncivil behaviour at work intentionally decrease their efforts and the quality of their work. A single bad player can set the culture awry.
4. Offer Performance Feedback – Feedback creates opportunities for learning and the energy so critical for a culture of thriving. The quicker and more direct the feedback, the more useful it is.

Creating the conditions for thriving requires focus and determination. As I’ve argued in the past, helping people grow and remain energized at work is worthy on its own merits. But by doing so, you’ll also boost your company’s performance over the long haul. Isn’t this the bottom line that we all want anyways?

Looking back, its been quite the year.  Across the planet seeds of change appear to be taking hold. From the occupy movements and political uprisings like the Arab Spring, to eurozone meltdowns, to American political and economic strife, financial markets are trembling and geopolitical shifts are taking shape. Amongst all the tumult and perhaps because of it, a new perspective seems to be surfacing of what it means to be successful and thrive as individuals and societies.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

It seems necessity truly is the mother of invention and this has given me both renewed hope and inspiration for our collective future.  The predominant economic model of infinite resource, intensive growth and ever increasing profit has clearly pushed people and the planet to the edge. In its place a new paradigm where maximum wellbeing for minimal planetary input is sprouting.  New ways of doing business are emerging from a global re-examination of the link between wealth, growth, wellbeing and prosperity.

The Human Element

I have spent the last decade as an executive coach helping individuals, professionals and leaders find their way to lives that bring them wellbeing. My clients have spanned all levels of economic and professional success. Many of the most unhappy have had more money and status than all the rest combined.

I have observed that company cultures and practices still rarely reflect an understanding of what truly matters to people, whether it be their customers or their employees.  And many leaders still don’t always have the skills to lead in a way that reflects an appreciation of the human experience of daily life.

While happiness or wellbeing are subjective in nature, it is particularly helpful for a company to set about figuring out what makes people “feel” good, positive, engaged, connected, needed etc. as that can be a driving force behind a company’s success.

Many leaders are starting to see this and realizing that just moving in this direction is a good thing because underlying the process is the need for leaders and companies to become more aware of those around them and their relationships in their world. Finding happiness and meaning is a complicated process, but I believe that companies and leaders who value understanding what really matters to people, and are willing to take the first step, will indeed find new ways to prosper and help re-define prosperity even in the face of the challenges of today’s world.

Here’s to green shoots in 2012!

Like the year before it, 2011 has been quite the wild and exciting ride. A year full of extraordinary conversations, further business development in Asia and expanded growth in North America. I’ve upped my social network game and have discovered the joy of twitter. I’m in the process of re-vamping my blogsite to offer improved access to leading edge research and practical tips on leadership, engagement and wellbeing. Along the way I’ve had the joy of simply doing my job; connecting with amazing men & women driven to make their lives and that of others and of their organizations better.

During a year where much of the media has been consumed with the ubiquitous socio-political and economic upheaval sweeping the planet, I discovered a rich vein of hope.

Perhaps late to the game, since starting to twitter a few months ago, I’ve come across people working hard to improve the planet and the lives of all with profound research that implores us to not do ‘business as usual’.

Veins of Hope

Here’s a sampling of some of my favourite thought leaders and organizations that show us not only why but how to not do business as usual:

• The New Economics Foundation:  The tag line says it all: economics as if people and the planet mattered. A veritable treasure trove of evidence based research on how to do business more sustainably.

• Jules Peck: Shows why the holy grail for enlightened companies has become the “wellbeing dividend” where sustainability efforts can be shown to increase rather than damage customer and societal quality of life and wellbeing.

• The Sustainable Business Blog: Explains why we need to radically redesign our business models with less emphasis on growth and more on wellbeing.

• Action for Happiness: This is a movement for positive social change. Through articles by thought leaders and their research, this blog brings together people from all walks of life who want to play a part in creating a happier, healthier society for everyone.

• The Happy Manifesto: In this short volume, packed with stories and practical examples, Henry Stewart sets out the principles that could transform your workplace into a truly great place to work in.

These and other sources of inspiration have further fueled both my mission and resolve to continue making a positive impact on our planet, people and the way we do business. I’m looking forward to continuing to bringing you the latest thinking and tools to help you and your company thrive.

What’s your resolve for 2012 and beyond?

Each year, we see the dawning of the New Year as a time for fresh starts. More exercise, a better job, more time with family and friends, perhaps quitting smoking? No matter what the goals, they’re usually focused on upping ourselves in the big game – the game of life. Well, why not use the ultimate template to help you set your goals? For more than 50 years, Gallup researchers have been exploring the raw materials of a life well-lived. They’ve come up with 5 essential elements that transcend countries & cultures.

So if you’re setting goals for 2012, why not set them based on the elements that differentiate a thriving life from one that’s simply endured?

The Central Five

1. Career Wellbeing: how you occupy your time or simply liking what you do every day is key.  Get this right and you’ll never look back.
2. Social Wellbeing: having strong relationships and love in your life can make a profound impact.  Building connections with friends, family, colleagues and neighbors will support and enrich you everyday.
3. Financial Wellbeing: effectively managing your economic life can remove untold stressors from you life. Learning to live within one’s means is a good place to begin.
4. Physical Wellbeing: having good health and enough energy to get things done on a daily basis. Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Straight up.
5. Community Wellbeing: the sense of engagement you have with the area where you live is a cornerstone. Volunteer your time. Join a community group or your kid’s school sports committee. Being linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding.

So while it might be easier to treat these critical areas in our lives as if they were separate, they’re not.  They’re all interconnected and shape our lives.  So why not plan to get more out of each day, and your life, in 2012 by ensuring your goals take into account these essential five?

Follow these five and you will not only feel the better for it but you’ll be boosting the wellbeing of your friends, family members, colleagues, and others in your community.  Now that sounds like a great outcome.

Here’s to the best in 2012!

In spite of traditional corporate values or practice, I’ve always held that all aspects of your life are interconnected, for better or worse.  If my clients were thriving outside of work that served to propel their performance at work, and vice versa.  Overtime, this common sense philosophy has garnered much attention in the scientific community and is increasingly gaining street cred in the corridors of business.

Research on wellbeing is flourishing and it is finally being given the credit it deserves as a lynchpin of organizational success.  Gallup’s latest bestseller, Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements, draws on extensive research to show the causal link between wellbeing and career and business success.

Wellbeing also underlies the concept of personal sustainability.  Simply, that people who are happy and fulfilled across all aspects of their lives not only play pivotal roles in the success of any organization, they are the underpinning of lasting organizational success.

Dots Connected

The five elements of wellbeing include: career wellbeing, community wellbeing, social wellbeing, financial wellbeing and physical wellbeing.  Based on Gallop’s research and study across thousands of individuals in 150 countries we learn that we cannot look at each area of our lives in isolation.  If one is not doing well in his/her personal life he/she may not be as productive at work either.  This is why it is important to look at all of these areas.  Having a full and rewarding life outside of work simply allows you to show up to work more energized and better able to tackle work issues.  Folks who achieve this high level of personal sustainability are happier, healthier and more productive.

So despite the state of the economy, wellbeing is simply good business.

What if you or your employees started increasing their levels of wellbeing and personal sustainability? What if your company began to help you and your team make this happen? What would it mean for you, your team or your business?

Where does innovation come from and how do you grow it?  Does it simply fall from the sky or are there things your company can do to promote it?  The answers to these questions may surprise you.  Simply, the best way to promote creativity and innovation in your company is through an environment that serves as fertile ground; one where the employee’s health and wellbeing is paramount.

We now have greater evidence linking personal sustainability to greater employee engagement, productivity, talent retention and – of utmost importance in today’s economic climate – creativity and innovation.  In fact, organizations that promote employee wellbeing are three and a half times more likely to encourage creativity and innovation according to a study at the World Economic Forum.

Fringe Benefits

Being happy and satisfied at work not only builds the innovation muscle but leads to significant gains in performance, problem solving skills, resilience and the ability to handle failure.   Obviously, workplace cultures that promote wellbeing reap mutual benefits.  A more engaged, productive and creative workforce will lead directly to increases in whatever the bottom line may be, be it customer service, widgets or sales.

When you think about it, none of this should seem like rocket science.  Simply ask yourself, are you able to think at your clearest and most creative while stressed out, exhausted and under extreme pressure?  I thought not.

So what would it take for you or your team to become more innovative?  How would it benefit your customers or stakeholders?  How would it impact your bottom line?

A new vision of what it means to be successful and thrive as individuals and as societies is increasingly taking hold.  The link between wealth, growth, wellbeing and prosperity is being re-examined and new ways of doing business are emerging cites global economic and business expert Jules Peck.  In fact, Peck argues for a new economic model completely.  Given the tumult in the environment and the global economy these past several years I say that the timing for a new way couldn’t be better.  

Myth Busting

Money does not bring happiness.  In fact only 7% of our wellbeing comes from income.  So where does wellbeing come from?  According to the New Economic Foundation wellbeing springs from 5 critical elements.

• Connection to friends, family & community
• Giving back/volunteering
• Being physically active
• Having goals & continuing to learn
• Taking notice and being engaged

This message of an alternate and more fully integrative understanding of what corporate and individual success means has been at the heart of my philosophy from the start.  It’s been nearly 10 years since I first spoke of ‘happiness’ as a key driver of lasting success to the business community via the Vancouver Board of Trade.  It’s been a long haul but it is both refreshing and inspiring to see this shared idea take hold.

New Model Required

Peck argues that combined with the above findings, the economic model of constant growth and ever increasing profit has pushed both people and the planet to the edge.  Not only are we seeing the vast majority of workers – worldwide – disengaged from their work but we are at the limits of many of our finite resources our way of life depends upon and we risk pushing the planet into unstoppable climate change.

Wellbeing is Primary

Instead of focusing on wealth we should instead be focusing on wellbeing. Peck highlights that consensus is building that infinite high resource intensity growth is simply not possible and that most businesses will have to adjust to a very different reality…soon.  That reality will still be a a version of capitalism, but it needs to rethink the point of the system.

Instead of the goal of maximum linear growth in GDP, Peck argues that we should be thinking of maximum wellbeing for minimal planetary input. This will challenge business to move beyond efficiency gains and really rethink their business models.

In both Britain and France, Prime Minister David Cameron & President Sarkozy have taken notice and have instigated policy reviews and frameworks focusing on wellbeing & community instead of wealth and individualism.

Peck points out that new “holy grail” for many progressive companies has become the “wellbeing dividend” where sustainability efforts can be shown to increase rather than damage worker, customer and societal quality of life and wellbeing.  Hurray.

Well, here you are back in the saddle.  It’s been a great summer.  You’ve had a super vacation, enjoyed many a succulent BBQ and raucous night out.

You’ve rediscovered the joys of sleeping in and being unplugged.  But now, here you are back at work and feeling guilty, a little heavier and somewhat slower thinking.  Now what do you do?  The way I see it you’ve got only once choice: get back on track as quickly as possible.

Here are four ways to get back on track with your routine after the dog days of summer:

1. Ditch the guilt.  So, despite your best intentions, you didn’t stick to your usual retinue of healthy food choices, exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and goal setting at home and work.  Well, congratulations. You enjoyed yourself.  Feeling guilty about overindulging or slowing down is wasted energy.  Instead, spend your energy doing something productive.
2. Dump the extras.  Be it excessive food, alcohol or nightlife, get back to your normal routines as soon as you can.
3. Review or reset your goals.  Look back to your pre-summer goals and restart them, modify them, or create new ones.  Perhaps, now with a well enjoyed summer behind you, you’ll have discovered deeper clarity or new insights.  So re-examine your personal and professional goals now.  You’ll feel better immediately just doing this.
4. Take action today.  Nothing like the present moment to get things rolling again.  Don’t delay.  You’re only one meal, workout, or phone call away from getting back on track.  Nothing will help you feel better more quickly than by simply taking action.

Use these four tips to get back on track and you’ll soon begin to feel on top of it all again before you know it!