Ah, happiness. Isn’t this something each person strives for as a part of his or her daily life? For many, happiness is something that just happens, for others, it can be a journey to find happiness...especially in the workplace.Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos gives us some insight on the effects of corporate culture in achieving success and happiness though his first book, Delivering Happiness. Published in June, 2010, Delivering Happiness debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list where it remained for 27 consecutive weeks.

Clearly, the book’s time as #1 just goes to show how a powerful message can impact the reader. So what’s so great about this book and what can we learn from it? Sure, it offers a blend of business advice, million dollar deals and more; but why is that enough to make it a #1 best seller?

What makes this book unique is its offering of knowledge pertaining to the belief that happiness can be used as a model in a business or personal life setting.

It talks about paying $2,000 to new employees to quit. Those that quit are probably the ones you don’t want there in the long run! It’s about the company and the culture...and in the end, how these factors make money for the organization.

Since we spend much of our lives at work, it makes sense that being happy at work can help determine happiness in your life, and vice-versa. When you’re in high spirits, the same trickles to the people you work with. People want to be around positive energy. Personally the greatest feeling I have in business is when my positive energy can make a difference in a room. Clients experience your day, whether intentional or not. People will take notice when you’re happy with your life.

While people used to believe that you didn’t have to be happy with your job or work to succeed, happiness in the workplace actually leads to increased productivity, commitment to team building, and growth.

The ability to focus and accomplish tasks has a lot to do with how you’re feeling at that moment. When you’re feeling good and you’re happy--you’re doing some of your best work. Obviously, when you’re performing well in your job, rewards tend to follow! Happy people become better workers and they work smarter.

No one wants to work with a Debbie Downer, a Negative Nancy or a Vicious Vanessa.

You might, but I don’t. Face it, unhappy people aren’t fun to work with, probably aren’t adding a lot of value to your organization and aren’t boosting morale around the office. Don’t we all want to work with people that have a good attitude, feel motivated about their role in your organization and that they know they’re adding value?

It’s all about the mindset you go in with. It’s not always about being under appreciated, or even having a positive mindset, but also about what you can do or change to make your work life better for you.

It’s all a mindset.