It’s the time of year when many of us experience joy, an emotion that seems synonymous with the holiday season. The dictionary describes joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” Our consumer driven society has certainly done its part to convince us that the latest toy, electronic gadget, or clothing style will bring the joy we long for, while organizational leaders may wish for a coveted promotion, a hefty bonus, or the corner office instead. Yet I doubt if acquiring more stuff will really add joy to our lives.
Joy grows out of faith, hope, and love. It is let loose when we experience grace, when we are fully aware and delight in being alive. Joy is nurtured when we serve others and are glad for their good fortune. Many of us have experienced the paradox of joy and sadness. We know that a truly special relationship, one that fills our hearts with happiness, will also result in feeling a deeper loss and pain when that relationship comes to an end. The intensity of sorrow is a small price to pay for knowing real joy.
Today’s workplace may best be characterized as a joyless wasteland. Few leaders take the time to cultivate an environment where joy can thrive. Perhaps they believe that joy will distract from the important tasks of analyzing, processing, and producing that have come to define so many organizations. The result is a workforce that struggles with doubt, anger, and loneliness.
It wouldn’t take much for leaders to release more joy. Simply expressing genuine gratitude would be an easy place to start. Leaders could also engage employees more deeply in the decisions being made and celebrate successes, no matter the size or scope. As suggested in last week’s post, leaders could become better listeners and act more quickly to address concerns when they hear them. They could create a more compelling vision and invite employees along on the quest. Finally, leaders could nurture stronger relationships by actually spending time in the field or on the production floor instead of relying on emails to share what is happening within the organization.
Joy is embedded in our DNA as though God wanted to remind us of his presence. We have managed to ignore or dismiss joy’s impact for too long. This Christmas season as you observe the wonder in a child’s eyes or silently suffer through the memories of a relationship lost, remember there is joy to be found both places. Embrace that joy with enthusiasm as a new year approaches. The workplace and our world both need more joy. What will you do to unleash and share it?
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