HBR IdeaCast Arthur C. Brooks on How Leaders Can Be Happier
208 snips
Nov 6, 2025 
Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and author of The Happiness Files, dives into the essence of happiness, especially for leaders. He suggests that happiness is a journey, not a destination, and emphasizes the impact of leadership anxiety on well-being. Brooks critiques the myth that money guarantees happiness and stresses the significance of purpose and empathy. He also shares how workplace dynamics and emotional contagion affect job satisfaction, advocating for compassion in leadership and recommending daily habits to enhance happiness.
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Happiness Is A Moving Target
- Happiness is a direction, not a permanent state, because negative emotions are built into our biology.
- You can become happier by changing habits and skills rather than chasing perfect happiness.
Why Success Won't Deliver Lasting Joy
- Mother Nature prioritizes survival and gene propagation, not our happiness or endless success.
- Chasing unlimited wealth or status leads to perpetual dissatisfaction because "enough" is never enough.
Control News Intake And Act Locally
- Limit news to one block of no more than 30 minutes daily and avoid overconsuming politics.
- Redirect freed time to local, practical civic action where you can actually affect change.
