Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh is a book that provides insights into the entrepreneurial journey of Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer. It also explores the company's unique culture and customer-centric approach. Here are the key ideas from the book:
Customer-Centric Culture
One of the central themes of the book is the importance of creating a customer-centric culture. Hsieh emphasizes that the happiness of customers should be the primary focus of a business, and everything else should revolve around delivering exceptional customer service.
Zappos' Core Values
Hsieh introduces the core values that Zappos embraced, including "Deliver WOW Through Service," "Embrace and Drive Change," "Create Fun and A Little Weirdness," "Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded," "Pursue Growth and Learning," "Build Open and Honest Relationships with Communication," and "Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit."
Company Culture
The book explores the unique and vibrant culture at Zappos, which emphasized employee happiness and engagement. Hsieh discusses the importance of aligning company values with those of employees to create a sense of purpose and belonging.
The Science of Happiness
Hsieh delves into the science of happiness and how it can be applied to both employees and customers. He discusses the role of positive psychology and how it can enhance workplace satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Hiring for Culture Fit
Hsieh emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who align with the company's culture and values. He believes that hiring for culture fit is more critical than hiring for specific skills.
Customer Service Excellence
The book provides examples of Zappos' commitment to exceptional customer service, including its famous 365-day return policy and 24/7 customer support. Hsieh believes that investing in customer service creates loyal customers who become brand evangelists.
Continuous Improvement
Hsieh advocates for continuous improvement and learning. He shares stories of how Zappos constantly evolved and adapted to meet changing customer needs and market demands.
The Importance of Employee Engagement
Hsieh discusses the significance of employee engagement and satisfaction. He believes that happy employees lead to happy customers, and he shares various strategies for achieving this balance.
Holacracy Experiment
Hsieh discusses Zappos' experiment with holacracy, a self-management organizational structure. While the transition had its challenges, it aimed to empower employees and distribute decision-making authority more broadly.
Company Values as a Filter
Hsieh views company values as a filter for decision-making. They guide strategic choices and help maintain consistency in actions and behaviors.
Happiness as a Business Model
The book argues that happiness can be a viable business model. By focusing on customer and employee happiness, companies can achieve long-term success and sustainability.
Lessons from Mistakes
Hsieh shares lessons learned from personal and professional mistakes and failures. He believes that setbacks can provide valuable learning experiences.

"Delivering Happiness" offers a glimpse into Tony Hsieh's entrepreneurial journey, Zappos' remarkable culture, and the idea that prioritizing happiness can lead to business success and fulfillment for both employees and customers.