Perhaps, then, the best way to enjoy your work more is not to get a raise or a promotion, but rather to build rewarding relationships with your co-workers.

Dina Kaplan, the co-founder of Blip.tv, says that when she met with angel investors to raise funds she dressed nicely, and in a meeting with a potential funder he told her, "Here's what we do, Dina."

The Boston Beer Co. has a simple hiring standard: Never hire someone unless they will raise the average.