Delivering Happiness: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Delivering Happiness containing key details about the book.
What is Delivering Happiness About?
"Delivering Happiness" by Tony Hsieh is a memoir and business book that shares the story of the founding and growth of Zappos, an online shoe retailer that became known for its customer-centric culture and commitment to employee happiness. Hsieh describes his personal journey as an entrepreneur and provides insights into the values and strategies that drove the success of Zappos. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture and creating a positive work environment, and shares practical tips and lessons for how to achieve this. The book also explores the broader themes of happiness and fulfillment in life and work, and provides inspiration for anyone looking to create a more fulfilling and purpose-driven career. Overall, "Delivering Happiness" is an engaging and inspiring read that offers valuable insights into the power of culture, values, and happiness in driving business success.
In Delivering Happiness, the author shares the different lessons he has learned in business and life, from starting a worm farm to running a pizza business, through LinkExchange, Zappos, and more. Fast-paced and down-to-earth, the book shows how a very different kind of corporate culture is a powerful model for achieving success-and how by concentrating on the happiness of those around you, you can dramatically increase your own.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Delivering Happiness
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* Culture is key: Hsieh believes that the company culture is the most important factor in the success of a business. He advocates for creating a positive and unique culture that aligns with the company's values and mission.
* Customer service is everything: Zappos' success was built on providing the best possible customer service. Hsieh argues that focusing on creating positive customer experiences can lead to long-term success and growth.
* The importance of employee happiness: Hsieh believes that happy employees are the key to creating a positive company culture and providing exceptional customer service. He encourages businesses to invest in their employees' happiness through team-building activities, training, and other initiatives.
* Take risks and embrace failure: Hsieh's own success was built on taking risks and learning from failures. He encourages entrepreneurs to take calculated risks and to embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
* Create a compelling vision: Hsieh believes that having a clear and compelling vision is important for creating a successful business. He advocates for creating a vision that inspires and motivates both employees and customers.
* Emphasize the long-term: Hsieh encourages businesses to prioritize long-term goals over short-term gains. He argues that focusing on creating long-term value for customers and employees can lead to sustained success and growth.
* Overall, "Delivering Happiness" is a book about building a successful business through a positive company culture, exceptional customer service, and a focus on long-term goals.
Who is the author of Delivering Happiness?
Tony Hsieh was an American internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He retired as the CEO of the online shoe and clothing company Zappos in August 2020 after 21 years. Prior to joining Zappos, Hsieh co-founded the Internet advertising network LinkExchange, which he sold to Microsoft in 1998 for $265 million.
What are good quotes from Delivering Happiness?
“Money alone isn't enough to bring happiness.. happiness [is] when you're actually truly ok with losing everything you have.”
“Happiness is really just about four things: perceived control, perceived progress, connectedness (number and depth of your relationships), and vision/meaning (being part of something bigger than yourself).”
“Things are never as bad or as good as they seem.”
“Envision, create, and believe in your own universe, and the universe will form around you.”
“I had decided to stop chasing the money, and start chasing the passion.”
“Without conscious and deliberate effort, inertia always wins”
“Your personal core values define who you are, and a company's core values ultimately define the company's character and brand. For individuals, character is destiny. For organizations, culture is destiny.”
“My advice is to stop trying to "network" in the traditional business sense, and instead just try to build up the number and depth of your friendships, where the friendship itself is its own reward. The more diverse your set of friendships are, the more likely you'll derive both personal and business benefits from your friendship later down the road. You won't know exactly what those benefits will be, but if your friendships are genuine, those benefits will magically appear 2-3 years later down the road.”
“There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”
“No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future.”
“Never outsource your core competency.”
Book details
- Print length: 246 pages
- Genre: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership
What are the chapters in Delivering Happiness?
Chapter 1: In Search of Profits
Chapter 2: You Win Some, You Lose Some
Chapter 3: Diversify
Chapter 4: Concentrate Your Position
Chapter 5: Platform for Growth: Brand, Culture, Pipeline
Chapter 6: Taking It to the Next Level
Chapter 7: End Game
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "In this fascinating (and often hilarious) account, Tony explains how he turns his beliefs into actions that really do deliver happiness." — Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you want to enhance your personal growth, I recommend checking out my list of favorite personal growth books. These books have played a significant role in my life, and each one includes a summary and takeaways to help you apply the concepts.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
