The Happy Manifesto

The Happy Manifesto
- 10 core principles

Henry tried to get the message across as succinctly as possible in his book (just 128 pages) but for those who want a quick summary, here are the 10 key points – each covered with examples and stories in the book.

In the book there are just 9 points. But Clive Hutchinson, of Cougar Automation, complained that we had missed out the most important thing we taught them – to make sure you’ve got your people doing what they are best at.

The Happy Manifesto
- 10 core principles

Henry tried to get the message across as succinctly as possible in his book (just 128 pages) but for those who want a quick summary, here are the 10 key points – each covered with examples and stories in the book.

In the book there are just 9 points. But Clive Hutchinson, of Cougar Automation, complained that we had missed out the most important thing we taught them – to make sure you’ve got your people doing what they are best at.

The Happy Manifesto
- 10 core principles

Henry tried to get the message across as succinctly as possible in his book (just 128 pages) but for those who want a quick summary, here are the 10 key points – each covered with examples and stories in the book.

In the book there are just 9 points. But Clive Hutchinson, of Cougar Automation, complained that we had missed out the most important thing we taught them – to make sure you’ve got your people doing what they are best at.

The 10 Core Principles

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1. Trust your people

Step out of approval mode. Instead pre-approve and focus on supporting your people.

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2. Make your people feel good

Make this the focus of your management team

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3. Give freedom within clear guidelines

People want to know what is expected of them. But they want freedom to find the best way to achieve their goals.

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4. Be open and transparent

More information means people can take responsibility and ownership.

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5. Recruit for attitude, train for skill

Instead of qualifications and experience, recruit on attitude and potential ability.

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6. Celebrate mistakes

Create a truly no-blame culture, to enable people to innovate without fear.

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7. Community: create mutual benefit

Have a positive impact on the world and build your organisation too.

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8. Love work, get a life

The world, and your job, needs you well rested, well nourished and well supported.

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9. Select managers who are good at managing

Make sure your people are supported by somebody who is good at doing that, and find other routes for those whose strengths are elsewhere. Even better, allow people to choose their managers.

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10. Play to your strengths

Make sure your people spend most of their time doing what they are best at.

5/5

“I picked up the book and couldn’t put it down — finishing the book in one night. The whole time I was reading I was nodding my head, agreeing and sometimes saying ‘Yes!’ out loud! If I could recommend an easy reading management book to any head of a company this would be it!”

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Sarah Metcalfe

Author of Happiness

5/5

“A wonderful book — a gripping read and so interesting, as well as wise. It is truly inspiring.”

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Professor Richard Layard

Author of Happiness

5/5

“A book that makes the complex people stuff simple and straightforward. Anyone running any type of organisation would benefit from The Happy Manifesto.”

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Jane Sunley

CEO of Learnpurple

5/5

“If only all organisations took the Happy approach, the workplaces of Britain would be far better places to work.”

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Neil Currant

University of Salford

    Video Testimonials

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    About Henry Stewart

    Henry is founder and Chief Happiness Officer of London-based learning provider Happy Ltd. Happy is one of the top Great Place to Work in the UK and top 15 in Europe, and helps other organisations to create happy workplaces.

    Henry is founder and Henry was listed in the Guru Radar of the Thinkers 50 list of the most influential business thinkers in the world. “He is one of the thinkers who we believe will shape the future of business,” explained list compiler Stuart Crainer.

    His book, The Happy Manifesto, was published by Kogan Page in 2013 and short-listed for business book of the year.

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