For most of us, we never learned how to be responsible in a way that brings us happiness. In childhood responsibility was based on making other people happy. We learned this early through our parents, teachers and others when we failed to be responsible we received anger and criticism.  This is not behavior that makes us feel happy. Usually it leaves us wanting to please or rebel and feeling empty and lonely inside.

Living for others does not bring happiness.  Choosing to be happy has much to do with what Greg Baer calls the “Law of Choice.”  He states, that “we all have the right to think, say, and do.”  My experience as a consultant/coach has taught me that when employees are allowed moderated freedom of choice they grow, learn from their mistakes and are happier.

After all, isn’t this one of the tenets of teamwork?  By supporting and having faith in our teammates instead of trying to control them we open opportunities to teach them and correct their mistakes.  It allows members of the team to breathe and feel accepted. These are all actions that make us happier.

Have you ever taught someone or given them help? What did you feel? Of course, you felt good, and happy.  So doesn’t it stand to reason when you do this in the workplace you are going to be happier?

This past week I did a teambuilding project with a client that is setting up a totally new team.  The company added fifteen employees in the last eight months.  One thing I emphasized was the importance of helping others become more responsible.  When you help others in areas where their skills need improvement, you will not only help them but your will help yourself as well.  When I said this, the attendees started nodding their heads and the energy lightened the room.

So to summarize, nothing is more important than our right to have choices.  When we allow ourselves and others to have choice everyone benefits because they are happier.