Why Joy Belongs in Leadership (Yes, Even at Work)

If I asked you to describe your workplace in one word, would “joyful” come to mind? 

Most leaders wouldn’t say yes — not because they don’t want it, but because “joy” feels like something that belongs at a birthday party, not in a boardroom. After all, work is about performance, deadlines, and budgets… right? 

Here’s the thing: joy isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a competitive advantage. 

When people find joy at work — through purpose, connection, and belonging — they don’t just feel good. They collaborate better, problem-solve faster, and stick around longer. Joyful workplaces are productive workplaces. 

Leadership Isn’t Just About KPIs 

Traditional leadership often leans hard into numbers and task lists. Important, yes. But those things don’t keep people engaged long-term. Leaders who want to get the best out of their teams shift the focus from “How do I manage performance?” to “How do I create the conditions for people to thrive?” 

A few ways to do that: 

• Clarity → Give people a clear picture of success and how their work matters. 

• Connection → Build trust and relationships so people know they’re valued. 

• Choice → Empower people with ownership and autonomy, not just instructions. 

Joy is Built in the Small Stuff 

You don’t create joy by throwing a pizza lunch once a quarter. It’s the daily moments that count: 

• Starting meetings by sharing a win 

• Celebrating progress, not just outcomes 

• Asking “How are you really doing?” and listening to the answer 

• Catching people doing things right instead of only flagging mistakes 

These small, consistent habits add up to a culture where people feel energized instead of drained by work. 

Joy Pays Off 

Here’s the reality: joy doesn’t mean work is always easy. It means work feels meaningful. And when leaders foster that, they see: 

• Better retention (because people don’t leave places they enjoy being) 

• Stronger performance (because joy beats burnout every time) 

• More resilience (because joyful teams can weather challenges without falling apart) 

And let’s be real: it makes leadership more enjoyable, too. 

Where to Start 

You don’t need a Chief Joy Officer title to bring more joy to your leadership. Pick one small practice this week to create more clarity, connection, or choice for your team — and notice the difference it makes. 

And if you want to dive deeper into this idea, I highly recommend the book Chief Joy Officer by Richard Sheridan. It’s a great read on what joyful leadership looks like in action.