The Pakistani Spectator

Alex is the world’s leading expert on happiness at work. He has long known that happiness at work is the most important factor that contributes to good careers, happy lives and business success. He is a speaker, consultant and author, presenting and conducting workshops on happiness at work at businesses and conferences all over the world. His previous clients include companies like Hilton, DaimlerChrysler and IBM. His clients especially appreciate his unlimited energy, his dedication to happiness at work and his ability to keep his message simple and practical and fun. Alex has a masters degree in computer science from The University of Southern Denmark, and was a co-founder of Enterprise Systems – a truly happy IT company.

Alexander KjerulfAlex is the author of Happy Hour is 9 to 5 - How to Love Your Job, Love Your Life and Kick Butt at Work. The book has been extremely well received all over the world. David Maister called it “very, very good” and “extremely well written.” But the praise that Alex appreciates the most came from Anna Farmery, who said that “reading the book makes me happy and gives me faith that we can create great workplaces.” Alex also writes about happiness at work on this blog, which is read by thousands of people every day. And in case your wondering, his last name (Kjerulf) is pronounced a little like care-oolf.

He blogs here.

Alex has been very kind enough to bestow us his diamond-studded interview. Here it goes:

Would you please tell us something about you and your blog?
I make people happy at work. No, really :o)

I’m a speaker, consultant and author. I give speeches and workshops about happiness at work and what you and I can do to enjoy our jobs.

I started blogging 5 years ago and it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done and a huge reason why I’m currently so successful.

I live in Copenhagen Denmark and when I’m not making people happy at work I enjoy snowboarding, wakeboarding, reading science-fiction books and going to the movies.

Do you feel that you continue to be happier the longer you make people happy? Why is that important to you?

I believe that we are on this planet to be happy and make each other happy. Studies indicate that making other people happy feels really good and makes us happy in turn.

So yes, the longer I’ve been doing this work, the happier I’ve been getting!

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with making people happy at work?

I have many memorable moments, especially of people telling me that my work has made a difference for them. It has helped them leave a bad job or become a better manager. This kind of feedback makes me very happy.

Also, being on stage in front of huge crowds who are laughing and smiling always makes me happy.

Have you ever made anyone happy besides the work?

You know, I do believe I have. Several people who know me outside of my work have told me, that my positive outlook has inspired them to be more positive and happy themselves.

How to make a person happy, who is jobless?

Assuming that your very survival isn’t threatened by joblessness, the best way is to stop feeling sorry for yourself and start contributing something to others.

If being jobless makes you so poor that the welfare of you and your family is threatened, then it is of course a question of finding work quickly.

What do you think sets Your blog apart from others?

The happy tone. There are many blogs out there, where people are always complaining. My blog keeps a permanently positive outlook.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Enthusiasm. I’m an enthusiastic person, I’m easily excited and passionate about many things – especially my work. People respond well to that.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

That’s almost impossible to say. My life keeps getting better and better, so there are more and more happy moments.

The gloomiest moment was around 6 years ago, when I found myself hating my job (this was before I started making people happy at work). I became tired, irritable, depressed and unbearable.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

Let’s see… Pakistan of course. I’d love to come and visit.

And then also South Africa and New Zealand!

What is your favorite book and why?

I love Harpo Speaks, the autobiography of Harpo Marx, one of the Marx Brothers. He led a full and happy life and this book taught me some important lessons in happiness.

Did you write your book just to strengthen your credentials as CHO?

No – that’s only part of the reason. I felt like writing it would make me happy, I had a lot to say and I also thought that a book would be a great way to reach a lot of people.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Their enthusiasm. I tend to always like people who are enthusiastic and passionate – and who dare to show it!

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

No, that has never happened!!

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

In my case I have made no money directly from the blog but I have gotten a lot of business from it. Companies all over the world have hired me, because they found it. Also, it helps me sell my book.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

Heh – great question :o) Blogging takes time! No doubt about it. I probably spend 6-8 hours a week on blogging and it is time well spent. It let’s me reach people, the comments I get help me learn, it helps me develop and formulate my ideas AND it’s fun!

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

We can be ourselves and be open to each other. We can meet in mutual respect and exchange ideas.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

In no particular order:
Kathy Sirra - http://headrush.typepad.com/
Bob Sutton - http://bobsutton.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Stephen Shapiro - http://www.steveshapiro.com/blog/
Slow Leadership - http://www.slowleadership.org/blog/
Traci Fenton - http://worldblu.com/blog/

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

Yes! When I suggested that companies make all salaries public inside the company. People HATED that idea. I still think it’s mich easier when everybody knows what everybody else makes.

You can see it here: http://positivesharing.com/2006/08/why-secret-salaries-are-a-baaaaaad-idea/

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I see Pakistan as a proud country with wonderful nature and kind and generous people.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

Yes – Kathy Sierra. It’s a crying shame that she has stopped blogging. Her blog was the best ever!

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

In developed countries people own more – but enjoy it less.

In developing countries people own less – but enjoy what little they have more.

What is the future of blogging?

It is very, very bright. We’ll see more people blogging, we’ll see even better blogs emerge and we’ll see many more connections being made between people, between cultures and between nations.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

It has gotten me a lot of friends all over the world. Wherever I go, I already know people there!

What are your future plans?

World domination :o)

I want to make the whole world happy at work! I’ll grow my business and take it global!

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

Yes – remember that we are here to be happy. At work and in life.

What is your life worth, if what you’re doing doesn’t make you and the people you care about happy?

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