Younger people tend to associate happiness more with excitement and the future, while older people tend to associate happiness with peacefulness in the present.
Chip ConleyThose of us who have been lucky enough to experience a calling in our work have a certain faith and peace of mind that it's exactly when we're supposed to be doing.
Chip ConleyConventional wisdom suggests the primary motivator for entrepreneurs is money or wealth creation and, in fact, much of the political debate tends to center around what kind of tax or regulatory policy changes will turn corporate suits into small business adventurers overnight.
Chip ConleyAs leaders, we understand that intangibles are important, but we don't have a clue how to measure them.
Chip ConleyFeeling good about your life, but not expressing a heartfelt 'thank you,' is like wrapping a gift for someone and never giving it to them.
Chip ConleyCompanies and leaders are role models - not just with the business community - but in the broader world.
Chip ConleyWhen any of us thinks of ourselves as a role model - whether thats as a parent being observed by their kids or a leader under the microscope of their followers - it creates a natural stepping up of how we carry ourselves and what we expect from ourselves.
Chip ConleyI don't know about you, but I've saved cards that old high school flames wrote me as well as those that employees have written me over the years. The power of genuine, customized appreciation will never lose its value, even in a gloomy economy... in fact, it's probably what we're all thirsty for in this desert of a depression.
Chip ConleyWe rigidify our self-image to portray a certain identity to the world, which is one of the key impediments to authenticity.
Chip ConleySocial scientists have found that the fastest way to feel happiness is to practice gratitude.
Chip ConleyWhat one thing can you start counting today that will actually be meaningful in your life?
Chip ConleyMaybe its time we get a toolbox that doesnt just count whats easily counted, the tangible in life, but actually counts what we most value, the things that are intangible.
Chip ConleyGreat leaders help their people see how they can directly impact the company's objectives and their own personal goals.
Chip ConleyThe more we ignore our emotions, the more likely they are to wield a powerful influence over us.
Chip ConleyMany people do not distinguish between something that happens to them and their reaction to it. Yet it isn't the event or situation that holds the emotional charge; it's our beliefs that create our response.
Chip ConleyIsn't it ironic that pay, perks, and benefits all cost your company at the bottom line, but authentic recognition, especially when it's most unexpected, costs very little and gives the most impressive return on investment.
Chip ConleyI do interview senior candidates at the home office or many of our hotel or restaurant General Manager candidates. My two favorite questions are "Tell me about a failure in your career, what you learned from it, and how you've leveraged this lesson" and "All of us are misperceived at one time or another. What's the most common way you're misperceived in the workplace and why?" Both of these questions require a certain amount of self-awareness and a willingness to not give pat, normal answers that we offer experience in interviews.
Chip Conley