What Gandhi believed in and taught are remarkably applicable to today's work environment.
Implementing some or all of his teachings can translate into a more harmonious workplace. That, in turn, will lead to greater profits and long-term sustainability.
A passionate student of Gandhi, I interpret his sayings as guidelines primarily for company executives and managers, but employees can use these as well in self-management.
1. Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.
While results are important in today's competitive business climate, the road we travel to get there should be just as satisfying if employees are to truly enjoy their jobs. Celebrate project milestones. Emphasize the lessons learned in the journey to success. Promote a work environment in which everyone can feel safe, in which friendly conversation takes place and learning is a top priority. The effort to get to the end is as important as the end.
2. In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
Gandhi showed the world that success comes more easily through the power of a gentle touch. Logic and compelling argument are more effective than demands, bullying and anger. Nudge your people into progress through positive feedback, spotting things being done right, and words of encouragement.
3. There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.
When things go wrong, people know it. Rather than administering harsh penalties, make people think about what happened. Ask them to explain what they learned. Then, have them create and use checklists and post reminders to ensure mistakes don't happen again.
4. Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.
A happy work environment translates into happy clients. When your people experience joy of work, so too will customers who buy your product or service. I call this the "human supply chain". We are all connected. Put in place ways to remove the tedium of work.
5. You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Encourage your people to take ownership over their ideas. Ask them to show you how things can be better. Allow for experimental change. Rather than having people tell you or others how things should be done, make them accountable for their innovations and live the change.
6. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
Make your company a learning company. Tomorrow's jobs have not been thought about yet. But helping your team prepare for the future through advanced learning will help ensure your organization thrives in the decades to come.
7. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Gandhi expressed more compassion than almost any other leader in the last 100 years. He understood human frailty, and that most people do the best they can with what they know. Far too many of today's leaders are quick to judge. In the daily life of your business, forgive people for things they should not have said, things they were not supposed to do. Use these as opportunities for improvement. People grow through their failings. Your business will grow as well.
8. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Leadership is not about ego or getting rich. It's about service to others. Are you helping your people, giving them the right tools to do their work? Good service to your team translates into good service for customers.
9. The future depends on what you do today.
Too many companies use the "seat of your pants" style of management. Things are done at the last possible minute, causing even more needless stress. Make planning a priority in all areas. Urge your people to be avid list makers - drafting plans for tomorrow, next week, next month and next year.
10. To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.
Many of us in business don't live what we believe in or preach. And our people know it. Don't let daily distraction prevent you from setting an example for others. Be resolved to showcase your company's values in your actions, deeds and talk.
Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:
I shall not fear anyone on Earth.
I shall fear only God.
I shall not bear ill will toward anyone.
I shall not submit to injustice from anyone.
I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering."
He was 5 foot 4 inches and only 100 pounds, but a giant among world leaders. Gandhi's compassion is something we all need to show if the world is to become a better place.
In business, implementing the teachings of Gandhi can make your organization a place people want to be. You, and your bottom line, will reap the benefits.
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