Quit looking for happiness in here
Science has found the key to happiness—and it’s not a big, fat paycheck. Instead, making a good, respectable name for yourself leads to the most satisfaction, according to a new study in Psychological Science.
Researchers surveyed 80 college students on their happiness levels, then calculated the students’ levels of “respect” through peer ratings, and how many leadership positions the students held. And after researchers also asked the students about income, the old saying held true: Money didn’t make them happy—respect did.
You can adjust to financial fluctuations, say researchers, but losing the respect of others is a detriment to self-esteem, and it’s harder to re-build. So how can you be the person everyone looks up to? Here’s how some big—and certainly well-respected—names made it to the very top.
Make It a Two-Way Street
Donald Trump, chairman and president of The Trump Organization
For The Donald, respect works both ways: “Acknowledge someone with respect, and it’s much more likely they will respect you,” he says. Seems easy enough, but when it comes to workplace politics, it’s hard to lose sight of the big picture.
Steal Trump’s trick: Be honest—and be open to others’ honesty. “It includes being blunt at times, but I think it’s appreciated,” says the host of The Apprentice. Plus, employers see better performance from employees when they treat team members with honesty and respect, finds research from North Carolina State University.
Communication Is Key
Maria Rodale, CEO and chairman of Rodale, Inc.
She’s the chairman and CEO of the largest independent publisher left in America. (And our boss!) Today, Rodale continues to work to be a trusted source of health, fitness, and wellness information. The first step to keeping your brand respectable? Believing in yourself, she says. Step two: Setting firm goals and following through.
“You can never demand respect, but you earn it by being clear and firm with your expectations.” And she’s on to something. Communication is one of the most important things in the workplace, according to a study by Missouri State University. A newsletter, bulletin board, or weekly face-to-face meeting to discuss goals and progress mean a lot in the long run.
Remember Your Roots
John Mackey, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market
Instead of hyperfocusing on other people, look to yourself, says this supermarket guru, who is now one of the most influential advocates in the organic food movement—a hard thing to stick to in an environment where mass-produced items are the easy way out. “I think respect works the other way around,” Mackey says. “Remaining true to my purpose and values has had the unintended consequence of usually getting and keeping the respect of others.”
Makes sense: Masking your true identity, or being who you think others want you to be, leads to lower job satisfaction, says a study published in Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.
More from WH:
Meaning is the New Money
How to Tell if Your Boss Likes You
18 Self Checks Every Woman Should Do
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