Happiness, they say, comes from within.
Even though culture is a component of happiness inside startups, it’s not the driver.
Many communities around the world follow a culture that facilitates happiness. This, however, does not automatically make people happy.
Why?
Because we are hard-wired to achieve. From securing food to having a shelter that makes us feel safe. The sense of achievement that comes from attaining a goal makes us feel… well, happy.
Accomplishments are a good source of happiness, fulfilment, and endurance.
So how can we build happier startups?
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Solving an existing problem (not a future one): having a product or service that is in demand is essential to get traction. Traction creates feedback in the currency of clients: if you are doing a good job you get more. If you have a long-term vision with no current demand, build an intermediary product before you get to your vision. Think SpaceX and Starlink.
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Unit financials (not unit economics): companies can be profitable but not cash flowing. You can sell a product at a 90% profit, but collect that money in 90 days. If you are just starting, this might mean you are not going to cash flow for the first 89 days after your sale.
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Leadership (not management): Driving business is not a hard skill. You do need managers to operate, but you need leaders to drive: sustain the effort, see the invisible (also known as ‘vision’), and provide clarity to your team.
This does not need to be overwhelming: it would make happiness/productivity impossible (and paradoxical).
It just means setting up shop with a plan that is robust in product, finance, and leadership. Achievement will follow: more clients, more profits, more cohesion.
Productivity will ensue.
And that makes everyone happy.
