The Leadership Power of Joy

We talk a lot about leadership in terms of strategy, decision-making, and influence. But what about joy?

Not just happiness. Not just positivity. But joy—the kind of energy that lights up a room, the kind that makes people feel safe, seen, and inspired to do their best work.

At this year’s Oscars, Colman Domingo embodied this.

From the moment he stepped onto the red carpet in his bold red Valentino suit (which he wore to embody love), to the way he cheered for his peers—he radiated pure joy. He wasn’t just there for himself; he made sure the people around him felt celebrated. He stood first for Paul Tazewell’s historic win. He cheered loudly for Queen Latifah. He danced, laughed, and turned the night into a true celebration.

And watching him, I kept thinking: What if more leaders showed up like that?

Why Joy is a Leadership Strategy

When we think about leadership, we don’t always connect it with joy. But we should.

Because joyful leaders create thriving teams. Because joy fuels innovation, collaboration, and trust. Because when people feel celebrated, they do their best work.

Research backs this up. Studies show that psychological safety—feeling valued, supported, and free to express oneself—is one of the biggest drivers of high-performing teams. And joy plays a major role in that.

But here’s the thing: We can’t lead with joy if we aren’t cultivating it within ourselves first.

How to Cultivate Joy Within Yourself as a Leader

Leadership can be demanding. If we’re constantly running on empty, burnout replaces joy. That’s why we have to be intentional about protecting and cultivating joy for ourselves first.

Here’s how we can do that:

1️⃣ Define what joy means to you. Joy looks different for everyone. What brings you fulfillment outside of work? What makes you feel energized? Identify what fills your cup and make space for it.

2️⃣ Prioritize rest and play. We can’t lead effectively when we’re exhausted. Joy requires margin—time to rest, laugh, and engage in things that bring you life outside of productivity.

3️⃣ Be present in small moments. Joy isn’t just found in big wins—it’s in the in-between moments. The morning coffee ritual. The deep conversation. The song that makes you dance. Practice noticing and appreciating these moments.

4️⃣ Surround yourself with joy-bringers. Energy is contagious. The people around us affect our ability to sustain joy. Be intentional about surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

5️⃣ Celebrate yourself, too. We often pour into others but forget to acknowledge our own growth. Take time to recognize your wins, no matter how small. You deserve the same encouragement you give to others.

How to Bring Joy into Leadership

Once we start prioritizing joy for ourselves, it becomes easier to share it with others. Here’s how we can bring more joy into our teams and communities:

1️⃣ Celebrate the wins—big and small. A quick “I see you” text, a shoutout in a meeting, or a genuine “great job” in passing can go a long way.

2️⃣ Be intentional about the energy you bring. Joy is contagious, but so is disengagement. Leaders set the tone—so choose to bring enthusiasm, encouragement, and warmth into the spaces you enter.

3️⃣ Create moments for connection. Teams thrive when they feel like more than just coworkers. Make space for laughter. Start meetings with a moment of gratitude. Check in with people beyond just work tasks.

4️⃣ Recognize that joy and success go hand in hand. When people feel valued and supported, they’re more creative, productive, and engaged. Joy isn’t just “nice to have”—it drives results.

Being Intentional About Celebration

This year, I’ve been making it a practice to directly celebrate others.

Instead of just thinking about how great someone is doing—I reach out and tell them. Instead of waiting for a “big moment” to recognize someone—I give them their flowers now. Instead of assuming people know they’re appreciated—I make sure they hear it from me.

Because here’s the truth: people remember how you made them feel. And joy? That’s a legacy worth leaving.

So, let’s take this energy into our own circles. Who do you want to celebrate this week? Send them a message—let’s give people their flowers while they’re here.

Because leadership isn’t just about decisions and strategies. It’s about the energy we bring.

And joy? That’s leadership in action.

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