You’ve no doubt heard of a hiring bonus. But does your business offer $2,000 to any new employee who doesn’t feel in sync with company values or culture? If “yes,” then you probably work for Zappos.com, the billion-dollar online shoe retailer that, as of last year, “sits in a tree” with Amazon.com.

The unwavering, long-term vision of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay) has been to “deliver happiness” to customers, employees and vendors. Obviously, he’s been right on the money. And he’s done it with not only the best selection of products, but with a company-wide, core-values-driven culture focused on outstanding customer service.

His vision is now the title of his first book, “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.” In it he shares the lessons learned while transforming a barely surviving startup into one of Fortune magazines’s top 25 companies to work for.

In her online review, Natalie Sisson, self-described evolutionary entrepreneur and founder of WomanzWorld, says this book makes you feel that anything is possible. (Sound familiar?) She also lists the Zappos core values. Each one has its own web page!

1. Deliver WOW Through Service
2. Embrace and Drive Change
3. Create Fun and A Little Weirdness
4. Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded
5. Pursue Growth and Learning
6. Build Open and Honest Relationships with Communication
7. Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit
8. Do More With Less
9. Be Passionate and Determined
10. Be Humble

How’s that for a brain-food buffet! If you didn’t get through all the links above to Zappos.com, come back to them later. There’s much wisdom here. Bon appétit.

Tags: achievement, happiness, human energy, leadership, managing yourself, personal effectiveness, success

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