People who have heard me emphasize the importance of joy have been reaching out to me this week. You may have noticed that the Democratic nominee for Vice President, Tim Walz, began his first address with, “Thank you for bringing back the joy!”
Regardless of your political stance, it’s crucial to recognize the power of joy, especially for leaders. Joy isn’t typically associated with politics, particularly in recent years marked by significant polarization.
Similarly, joy is often absent from our workplace discussions. In a world beset by complexities—conflicts, stress, relentless technological advancements, and rapid change—it’s easy to drift away from joy, that vibrant energy that is our birthright.
Reflecting on a time in my career when stress and responsibilities overwhelmed me, I initially dismissed joy as unattainable. However, a conscious effort to reconnect with joy through simple practices like gratitude journaling and mindful walks led to a profound personal transformation. This journey reinforced my belief in the transformative power of joy.
We can reconnect with joy, and doing so provides us with hope, energy, and the ability to see new possibilities. Experiencing joy in our bodies opens our hearts and encourages proactive action. Connecting with joy doesn’t mean becoming Pollyannish; instead, it allows us to perceive challenges as opportunities and mobilize energy for action.
Emotions are contagious. The palpable shift in enthusiasm within the Democratic campaign following President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside is a testament to this. Instead of feeling hopeless and defeated, there is a renewed sense of liveliness and possibility. This new focus inspires more people to join and ignites a collective drive to work towards something meaningful.
When leaders connect with their inner joy and convey a sense of hope, they inspire others and open up a world of possibilities. Our natural negativity bias makes it easy to see what is or could go wrong. However, we can connect with joy by recognizing this instinct and strengthening our ability to shift towards an Open Stance. We should never underestimate the power of joy. We can all be leaders within our spheres of influence. Research shows leaders and organizations that model and encourage joy are more productive and creative.
So, what are you noticing about joy these days? Take a moment to reflect on how you can cultivate more joy in your life and sphere of influence. Share your experiences and inspire others to do the same.