The Happy Index

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What to expect

Discover the secrets of upside-down management and doing the right thing with James Timpson's The Happy Index.

With over 2,000 locations across the UK and overseeing multiple operations daily for the past two decades, it’s fair to say that the CEO of the family-owned Timpson business knows a thing or two about running a successful company.

What makes James Timpson’s approach to collaboration, profit and success is simple: let the people you hire run your business.

That might seem like a simple concept to a CEO, manager or director but if you think about the hundreds of meetings, hours lost from your day by responding to emails, signing off on projects and more, you will notice that you are still working in a traditional, top-down mindset. Doing this means the team you work with only see themselves as a cog in the machine instead of the trusted, valued colleagues that they are.

The Happy Index is structured into lessons that will equip you and the people you work with, with the tools and tactics to re-evaluate the ways you manage your business. Offering insight into the ways in which James has overseen the family business, he firmly believes that you will see the benefits of working with an upside-down mindset, not only for financial success but also your team’s wellbeing and happiness.

Really, though, it’s easy. Turn up on time. Trust your team. Do your work.

Critics Review

  • ‘The way that he operates is the way I’d like the whole world to operate’ – Jake Humphrey, host of The High Performance Podcast

    ‘Timpson has long set the standard as a thoughtful employer. This book explains the secrets to its success. A must-read for anyone who cares about better ways of doing business’ – Oliver Shah, Sunday Times

    ‘These lessons give you the tools to a brighter, happier workplace’ – Roisin Currie, CEO of Greggs

    ‘Continually going above and beyond, The Happy Index is a beacon of hope for businesses everywhere’ – Julian Richer, entrepreneur and author of The Ethical Capitalist

    ‘Not only do Timpson look after their own people, but they also genuinely care about helping others in need’ – Sir Tom Hunter, philanthropist and entrepreneur

    ‘Proves that businesses can be a force for positive change in our communities’ – Pia Sinha, CEO of Prison Reform Trust

    ‘Timpson is a very special British family business that has much to teach all of us about building a welcoming and winning culture that always puts people first. This book is a great guide to how you can do the same.’ – Richard Walker OBE

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