Happiness is the best KPI

When was the last time you woke up excited about the day ahead?

That was the question I asked a client last week. The CEO of a fast growth tech business.

A really successful business. 

Growing. Investable. Profitable.

Currently.

But the price that's paid by the people inside.

Is unsustainable.

Because the culture is sick.

It badly needs some time off.

To reset, recharge, reevaluate.

To have a break on a sun lounger, sipping a piña colada and contemplating if the unicorn inflatable or the pineapple inflatable is the best option, as it matches your cocktail perfectly…..

Everyone deserves a break. 

A proper rest. Where you actually switch off.

That includes the phone and the emails.

 We used to call those “holidays". 

And you get to choose that it's ok to rest and be fully off.

Even if you’re the CEO. 

August will be over before we know it.

If unhealthy and unsustainable behaviour in business can be learnt, it can be unlearnt too.

Let’s lead differently and allow ourselves and others to thrive, not just survive until that two week window of opportunity each summer.

So if you are heading into August and a well deserved break, just remember, that most things work much better if you just switch them off for a little while…just ask your friends in the IT department.