One of my Reboot Rules deals with keeping your business fun for you and your colleagues.  Without fun–most people at work are simply not happy.  Unfortunately, happy talent is a secret weapon companies don’t invest enough in–especially big fat ones.  It’s not easy to Reboot happiness–until now.  Ted Leonsis has a new book coming out called “The Business of Happiness: 6 Secrets to Extraordinary Success in Life and Work.”    He developed the book with another former AOL’er John Buckley and it will be released Feb. 8 by Regnery Publishing. 

I sold one of my companies, Imagination Network, to AOL and Ted became our Chairman after the acquisition.  I was fortunate to work for Ted as we expanded the new AOL games channels.  Ted is a remarkable mentor, boss and friend and I appreciate his advice—he’s a motivator and one of the top creative business minds.  In the book, Ted gives his take on being happy before, during and after success and how/why happiness needs to be a systemic part of a business. 

But the book is more than just Secrets to Extraordinary Success, it is filled with great stories you will enjoy.  And just as if you were sitting in the cafiteria at AOL having a cup of coffee with Ted, the book comes to life and takes you on an amazing journey with stories about his life, work and passions.  From his early beginings, to the turbulent times that he (and many of us) experienced at AOL—you will be inspired and closer to understanding the business of happiness.

You will have to read the book to get the detail on the  6 Secrets, but here is a teaser to get you started:

1. Your Life List
2. Multiple Communities of Interest
3. Finding Outlets of Self Expression
4. Gratitude
5. Giving Back
6. A Higher Calling

For those of you who have not been as fortunate as me to actually work with Ted, here is your chance….. Pre-order Ted’s book now and enjoy his happiness/success secrets!