Articles about happiness aren’t too common these days.  However, according to The Nielsen Happiness Study, the team found that globally, women are happier than men in 48 of the 51 countries surveyed in April 2008.

What lies at the root of our capability for happiness? According to this study, women derive satisfaction more from non-economic factors than men.  In a recession, this means we may have a stronger constitution for leading teams, building budgets, and thinking up new strategies and products when the outcome isn’t necessarily going to result in quick, easy profits. What an advantage to get up in the morning, don your work clothes, head out with some home-brewed coffee and arrive at work raring to go despite the negative headlines, drastic radio reportage, and glaring TV squawk box warnings of financial doom.   Just remembering that natural selection has granted us powers to see through and beyond the menacing forest for the promise of trees can help us set the tone for our teams.  Our ability to re-frame goals and objectives for the longer term can help us lead uneasy, anxious people so they stay more focused and productive.  We also have outside interests and friendships that sustain and rejuvenate us - so go ahead, call that friend for 5 minutes mid-day if that keeps you happy and focused.

Working with other like-minded co-workers and peers can strengthen our resolve to remain productive in this onslaught of bad news.  While you may not have consciously identified colleagues who have this positivity edge, think to the people you gravitate towards in meetings or at the cafeteria.  How are they positioning themselves? What do they talk about with their teams?  Many times you will find that these people are more creative and intuitive.  They are spending time fact-finding and taking the pulse of others so they can hone their ideas to work in lean times.  Take some time this week to tap into other women who are staying strong in this naysayer environment.  While these strengths may be more inherent for women than men, truly successful leaders in a downturn of both genders are making the most of their networks, relationships and vision to build for the future.  They are also making time for personal pursuits and pleasures to stoke the fires for the hard road ahead.

Submitted by: Julia dePeyster, Assistant Director, Center for Women’s Leadership