Episode 153: Finding Joy as a Leader (Even on the Hard Days)

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Pocast

Published: January 15, 2025

Details

When work and life are overwhelming, it can be difficult to reclaim a sense of joy at work. Research has shown the benefits of incorporating joy, hope, and optimism into the workplace to combat burnout and improve well-being.

Our guest today is Daisey Auger-Dominguez, a Chief People Officer, workplace strategist, speaker, and author on future readying the workforce and building high-performing teams that deliver a competitive advantage without burning out. Daisey’s research, drawing from studies by the Association for Psychological Science and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, reveals how chronic workplace stress impacts not just emotional wellbeing, but also leads to significant physical health issues and cognitive impairments. More importantly, she’s uncovered how focusing on joy, rather than just reducing burnout, can transform workplace dynamics.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore Daisey’s four key strategies for cultivating joy and optimism in leadership roles, from embracing the Japanese concept of Ikigai to implementing practical tools like the “Happy Folder.”

Check out Daisey’s book Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People.

Key Learnings

  1. Intentional Leadership in Hybrid Environments
    Leading during the pandemic underscored the importance of intentionality in leadership. Leaders must balance clarity with compassion while fostering deliberate opportunities for connection. Effective leadership isn’t just about solving problems but building relationships that create trust and collaboration.
  2. The Transformative Power of Joy at Work
    Daisy emphasized that joy is more than an antidote to burnout—it’s a catalyst for transforming workplace dynamics. Cultivating joy improves emotional well-being, reduces stress, and enhances team performance, creating an environment where employees thrive.
  3. The Ikigai Framework for Leadership
    Daisy’s insights on ikigai, a Japanese concept of finding one’s purpose at the intersection of passion, talent, values, and what the world needs, provide leaders with a reflective tool to align their personal and professional lives. This clarity fuels motivation and helps leaders inspire their teams.
  4. Gratitude and Joy Build Stronger Teams
    Simple practices like sharing gratitude or starting meetings with personal highlights foster belonging and connection. Daisy’s example of the “confetti tradition” illustrates how celebrating small wins and personal moments can make tough workplace challenges easier to navigate.
  5. Normalize Rest and Recovery
    In hybrid work environments, the need for rest is often overlooked. Daisy advocated for normalizing rest as a strategic practice, from micro-breaks during the day to restorative cycles after intense projects. Modeling these behaviors empowers teams to recharge, fostering creativity and productivity.

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Research

Finding Joy as a Manger, Even on the Bad Days Article by Daisey Auger-Dominguez