Friday, June 18, 2010

Book Review | Delivering Happiness : A Path To Profits, Passion, and Purpose

Delivering Happiness is an easy flowing read written in a conversational style. Mr. Hsieh does inform the reader at the beginning of the book of his writing style. Delivering Happiness provides a view from the CEO of how he built Zappos and has created a unique corporate culture. One of delivering 'WOW' to the customer while encouraging a nurturing environment for the employees. From the stories, it would appear Mr. Hsieh is a work hard-play hard person and has found the balance between managing and leading a company. Interesting how the corporate culture continues to evolve as the company grows.

The Zappos Culture is defined by 10 core values:

1) Deliver WOW through service.
2) Embrace and drive change.
3) Create fun and a little weirdness.
4) Be adventurous, creative, and open-minded.
5) Pursue growth and learning.
6) Build open and honest relationships with communication.
7) Build a positive team and family spirit.
8) Do more with less.
9) Be passionate and determined.
10) Be humble.

Do you think that Zappos provides a realistic model for other companies to follow?

For more information on the book please check out: www.deliveringhappinessbook.com

Follow information on Twitter @dhbook

I received a few advance copies of Delivering Happiness and would like to give them away to those who post a response on this blog or my leadership blog. I will announce the winners on Monday, June 28, 2010.

Hsieh, T. (2010). Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose. New York: Hachette Book Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Also, I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

3 comments:

Kelly Dulka said...

This looks like a great book. We've talked a lot about "corporate culture" at the YMCA. This book sounds like it would be a great training tool to help us reshape ours! I love the core values! Thanks for sharing.

Ted Kinzer said...

Kelly, thanks for the comment. If you are looking for another view of culture check out 'Organizational Culture and Leadership' by Edgar Schein. Schein is a more academic approach, worth a read as well if you want a rounded view of culture.

Ted Kinzer said...

Congrats to Kelly from the YMCA on winning a copy of Delivering Happiness.