Habits of Joy and Success: A Culturally-Inspired Guide for Leaders
Leadership has been on my mind lately. Recently, I presented at a conference, sharing my grounded research on leaders and resilience. Not long after, I joined a mid-week roundtable with other leaders to explore “Leadership, Purpose, and Culture.” Then, during a spa retreat this weekend, a close friend opened up about the challenges of being an authentic leader in today’s corporate world. Across all these conversations, a clear theme kept surfacing: Successful leadership, beyond skill and expertise, boils down to self-awareness and the relational care each leader brings to their team. This kind of leadership shapes the culture of the team and has a transformative effect on organizational success.
Since acquiring my psychological qualifications many years ago, I’ve held various leadership positions—beginning as the Associate Director of a new multidisciplinary centre, and later contributing to the development of other centres. Over time, I’ve recognised that in today’s fast-paced world, leaders are expected to deliver results, inspire their teams, and drive progress. Yet, there’s an often-overlooked dimension to effective leadership—one rooted in cultural awareness and the intentional cultivation of joy.
By building small, meaningful habits that draw from our cultural backgrounds and nurture our well-being, we can create a leadership style that’s not only sustainable but also authentic and deeply fulfilling. These habits don’t just bolster our own resilience; they create a ripple effect, inspiring and uplifting those around us.
“Culturally-inspired leadership rooted in joy and success lifts everyone up.”
The Role of Culture in Shaping Joy and Success
Culture is the lens through which we view the world, influencing everything from our definitions of success to our beliefs about joy and purpose. Many of us inherit values around productivity, achievement, and self-worth from our upbringing, which influence how we approach our goals. Leaders who take the time to understand how their cultural backgrounds shape their beliefs and habits have a foundation for more intentional, balanced leadership. For instance, those from community-focused cultures might naturally emphasize collaboration and shared achievement, while leaders from individualistic backgrounds may draw on their strengths of independence and innovation. Understanding our cultural influences allows us to lead with purpose, aligning our actions with our values.
Building Habits that Support Joy and Success
With cultural awareness as a foundation, leaders can cultivate small but impactful habits that sustain both joy and success. Here are a few practices to consider:
Celebrate Small Wins
Rather than waiting for major milestones, celebrating small achievements reinforces a growth mindset and creates momentum. Whether it’s finishing a challenging project, making a positive connection, or finding a quiet moment to reflect, these micro-celebrations foster joy and motivation. This habit not only uplifts us but also cultivates a team culture where every step forward is valued.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is central to joy, reminding us to appreciate our journey as much as the destination. Incorporating gratitude into daily routines—such as taking a moment before meetings to thank team members or acknowledging goodwill at the end of the day—shifts our focus from stress to appreciation. For leaders, gratitude also promotes resilience, helping us navigate challenges with a grounded, positive perspective.
Set Boundaries that Reflect Your Values
Many of us inherit cultural beliefs around hard work and self-sacrifice. While dedication is important, setting boundaries ensures that we lead from a place of balance rather than burnout. Boundaries are not about limitation but about creating space for our personal lives and self-care, helping us stay true to what matters most.
Cultivate Cultural Curiosity
Today’s globalized world calls for leaders who embrace cultural diversity with curiosity. Making a habit of learning about other perspectives and traditions strengthens empathy and enriches understanding, allowing leaders to connect more meaningfully with their teams. When leaders approach differences with curiosity, they foster an inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints thrive.
Reflect on Alignment with Personal and Cultural Values
Regular reflection helps us stay aligned with our values, both personal and cultural. Taking time to ask, Am I honouring my beliefs in my daily actions? helps us maintain authenticity in our leadership. This practice keeps us connected to what truly drives us and allows us to course-correct when needed.
The Ripple Effect of Joyful Leadership
When leaders integrate habits of joy and cultural awareness, their impact extends far beyond their own experience. Joy, authenticity, and respect for diverse perspectives create a work environment where team members feel valued and empowered. In a space where leaders celebrate small wins, practice gratitude, respect boundaries, and model cultural curiosity, success becomes a shared, fulfilling journey rather than a solitary pursuit.
Leading with joy and cultural awareness is not a distraction from professional success; it’s the foundation of it. By honouring our backgrounds and embracing habits that nurture both our growth and well-being, we’re able to lead with resilience, empathy, and purpose. These small, intentional practices allow us to redefine what success looks like—not just in terms of achievements, but in the joy, balance, and authenticity we bring to our journey. True leadership is not about chasing milestones but about savouring each step and uplifting others along the way.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing women from around the world for my book, "Own Your Life Story: How Women Around the World Create Joy and Success." Through these conversations and research, I uncovered 10 powerful habits that women use to build joyful, successful lives. I’ve distilled these insights into a free, easy-to-follow guide created just for you. Ready to start building your own path to joy and success? Download the guide now and take your first step!
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About the Author
Lidia Lae, Ph.D., is a writer, psychologist, and speaker, committed to empowering individuals and organisations to build healthier cultures for meaningful contribution.