Teamwork Tuesdays: Shawn Achor — The Happiness Advantage

Culture isn’t built on pressure — it’s built on positivity. 

In Shawn Achor’s research on performance and well-being, he challenges a common belief that success leads to happiness. Instead, he found the opposite is often true—  happiness fuels success. He calls this The Happiness Advantage, and it has a direct impact on team culture.

Most teams think, “We’ll be positive once we start winning.” But Achor’s research shows that when individuals and teams start with positivity — through encouragement, connection, and optimism — they actually perform better. The brain works more effectively in a positive state. It becomes more creative, more resilient, and better at solving problems. That’s not just good for individuals — it elevates the entire team.

Culture is built in the small, daily moments. A teammate offering encouragement. A coach recognizing effort. A leader bringing energy, even on tough days. These actions seem simple, but they shape how people feel — and how they show up. Over time, that becomes the standard.

This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It means choosing how we respond. Teams with a strong culture don’t avoid adversity — they face it with belief, support, and a solutions mindset.

Positivity isn’t a result of success — it’s a driver of it. When teams intentionally create a positive environment, they unlock higher levels of performance, connection, and consistency.

Something to Think About:

How can we be more intentional about creating a positive, high-energy environment for each other every day?