Here is an age-old question for you: does happiness lead to success or does success lead to happiness?

There is a multibillion-dollar industry that now exists to answer that question. It’s science, psychology and academia rolled into one, art, self-discovery and spirituality united. Pursuit of happiness (encompassing life coaching and self-help, among others) is big business, and a noble one at that.

You are likely familiar with the concept of employee engagement. If it’s not termed ‘engagement’, then odds on it will be called ‘satisfaction’, ‘culture’, or even just a plain old ‘pulse’ survey. Regardless, most organisations subscribe to one of these concepts at one stage or another. Big money is spent and considerable hours are devoted, all in the name of making us infinitely happier.

I’m not going to bad-mouth these programs or surveys. I’ve taken part in them throughout my entire career. Most times I’ve enjoyed them, and many times I have benefited from them.

But if I was pushed into a corner and asked what I would do if left to my own devices, well, I wouldn’t choose a survey. I wouldn’t spend countless hours on analysis, discovery sessions or ‘feeling’ forums. I wouldn’t create team action plans or even dot colourful motivational posters throughout the office. No, it would be a lot simpler than that.

I would choose to surround myself with radiators and avoid drains like the plague. That’s what I would do.