This is a summary review of Delivering Happiness containing key details about the book.

What is Delivering Happiness About?

“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh tells the story of how he built Zappos into a billion-dollar company by prioritizing customer service and employee satisfaction. (Full Summary…)

Delivering Happiness Summary Review

“Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose” by Tony Hsieh offers a compelling narrative that goes beyond the traditional business memoir, providing readers with a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, company culture, and the pursuit of happiness. Hsieh’s journey, from selling worms as a child entrepreneur to the helm of Zappos, one of the most successful online retailers, is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unconventional approach to business.

The book revolves around the central theme of prioritizing happiness as a core element of both personal and professional success. Hsieh challenges conventional business practices by advocating for a cultural shift within organizations. Zappos, under Hsieh’s leadership, emerges as a case study in itself, illustrating how prioritizing customer service, fostering a vibrant company culture, and valuing employee satisfaction can lead to unprecedented success.

One notable aspect of the book is its emphasis on the importance of company culture. Hsieh describes how he intentionally built a culture at Zappos that values fun, creativity, and open communication. The book delves into the specific practices Zappos adopted, such as a 365-day return policy, no call center scripts, and a focus on telephone communication as a branding device. These unconventional strategies challenge traditional business norms, encouraging readers to rethink their own approaches.

The narrative is not confined to success stories; Hsieh candidly shares his experiences with failure, detailing the challenges he faced with his first venture, LinkExchange. This transparency adds depth to the book, making it relatable and providing valuable insights into the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, Hsieh’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident throughout the book. His evolution from a young entrepreneur to the CEO of a billion-dollar company is a testament to his dedication to learning and adapting. The incorporation of a book club and the emphasis on continuous learning contribute to the broader theme of growth, both individually and collectively within the company.

One of the most intriguing sections of the book is the exploration of Zappos’ core values. Hsieh emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who align with the company’s values and culture, going as far as allowing employees to participate in the hiring process. The meritocracy system implemented in 2012, where employees can self-organize to enhance productivity and innovation, provides a fascinating perspective on organizational structure and autonomy.

“Delivering Happiness” is not just a business memoir; it’s a reflection on life’s purpose, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal and professional fulfillment. Hsieh’s storytelling is engaging and often humorous, creating an enjoyable reading experience. The inclusion of employee perspectives, as seen in the Culture Book, adds authenticity and diversity to the narrative.

Essentially, Tony Hsieh’s “Delivering Happiness” is a captivating exploration of entrepreneurial success, cultural innovation, and the pursuit of happiness in the business world. It challenges readers to reevaluate their approaches to business, urging them to prioritize not only profits but also passion and purpose. This book serves as an inspiring and thought-provoking read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone seeking a holistic approach to success.

Who is the author of Delivering Happiness?

Tony Hsieh was an American internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He retired as the CEO of the online shoe and clothing company Zappos in August 2020 after 21 years. Prior to joining Zappos, Hsieh co-founded the Internet advertising network LinkExchange, which he sold to Microsoft in 1998 for $265 million.

How long is Delivering Happiness?

• Print length: 246 pages

What genre is Delivering Happiness?

Business, Nonfiction, Leadership

What are good quotes from Delivering Happiness?

“Money alone isn’t enough to bring happiness . . . happiness [is] when you’re actually truly ok with losing everything you have.”

“Happiness is really just about four things: perceived control, perceived progress, connectedness (number and depth of your relationships), and vision/meaning (being part of something bigger than yourself).”

“Things are never as bad or as good as they seem.”

“Envision, create, and believe in your own universe, and the universe will form around you.”

“I had decided to stop chasing the money, and start chasing the passion.”

“Without conscious and deliberate effort, inertia always wins”

“Your personal core values define who you are, and a company’s core values ultimately define the company’s character and brand. For individuals, character is destiny. For organizations, culture is destiny.”

“My advice is to stop trying to “network” in the traditional business sense, and instead just try to build up the number and depth of your friendships, where the friendship itself is its own reward. The more diverse your set of friendships are, the more likely you’ll derive both personal and business benefits from your friendship later down the road. You won’t know exactly what those benefits will be, but if your friendships are genuine, those benefits will magically appear 2-3 years later down the road.”

“There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”

“If you have more than 3 priorities then you don’t have any.” —Jim Collins”

“No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future.”

“Never outsource your core competency.”