Srikumar S. Rao

We have a human instinct to search for a magic bullet, some instantaneous fix for our problems. So it was with skepticism that I started into Srikumar Rao’s Happiness at Work. How could it be, I wondered, that one read of a book could make me happier?

I now believe that reading this book CAN make you happier – and not only at work but in life as well. It won’t happen overnight. Of course, it couldn’t.

Srikumar has distilled lessons from across the globe, tapping on deep understanding show more of the common experience of mankind’s philosophies and religions to arrive at universal insights. I’m reframing the book a bit but for me the most compelling lesson was that happiness is essentially a decision, a decision to practice happiness. Within that framework, he offers specific approaches and habits, but they all stem from the approach that you are in charge of your happiness.

I believe that we have it basically backward in western approach to worker satisfaction. We feel that if we increase productivity and performance, the company will do well, and the employees will gain a sense of satisfaction and happiness. I now believe that we need to first create environments for happy workers. I’m not talking about the superficial happiness of time off and company picnics. I’m talking about the deeper happiness that comes from a sense of competence, and connection to a sense of purpose beyond ourselves. show less

I really appreciate this book because it comes from a completely different perspective than mine. I learned a lot and highly recommend it.

Happiness at Work
Be Resilient, Motivated, and Successful --- No Matter What
by Srikumar S. Rao, Ph.D.

It was a pleasure to review this inspirational 235 page how-to that showed me how to see my work in a whole new light. I am blessed to have a job that brings me happiness and a sense of accomplishment, but by reading this book I got an even better understanding of how through simple exercises and attitude adjustments I could enjoy it even more.

The format is simple to follow and the author's show more style is so light and fun it captivated me and held me from one amazing lesson to the next. I learned so much through the stories, many of them thought provoking and the excellent examples that gave me an even deeper appreciation of the process. I would recommend this multi dimensional charmer to anyone looking to do life in a glorious and more vibrant way. Thanks Srikumar, for your own resilience and motivation, it sure is catchy.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann show less

Wow. This book was not what I expected. For me the chapter, "the root of all your problems", was the essence of the book. You will not appreciate this essence, however, without the journey of the book.
Never a more simply profound statement with the last line, Let It Go.