Happy leadership, now more than ever

Abstract

The Covid-19 crisis demonstrated the need for new leadership styles suited to times of economic uncertainty. Today, leadership in organisations is less humanistic and inspirational and more authoritarian. More management models should be promoted based on ethics, corporate happiness and social responsibility. This research reflects on the type of leadership suited to the new era. It explores the concept of happy leadership and analyses its characteristics. This construct combines the rational and emotional minds of those who lead. It seeks to exercise actions that help reduce stress, frustration, and fear, improving wellbeing to optimise work performance. Thinking, feeling and doing from a happiness management approach supports people’s vision from an organisational and emotional perspective by developing aspects such as creativity, flexibility and sustainability. Happy leadership promotes new models of integral management through changes in corporate culture, helping to reconcile productive efficiency with business ethics, entrepreneurship, organisational justice and happiness at work.