Important Lessons from QNET’s Corporate Icon, Gandhi

The late great Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has few equals in history.

But beyond the memory of his struggle for India’s independence and messages of non-violence, the Mahatma (Sanskrit for “Great Soul”) is remembered to this day as a humble man who always led by example. 

This is precisely why Gandhi is QNET’s corporate icon and why, in conjunction with the anniversary of his birth this month, we look to draw inspiration and motivation from some of the most famous Gandhi quotes. 

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Our thoughts guide our behaviour and actions. So, believe the best of yourself, and demonstrate that in your words and actions. If you’re happy with yourself, you’ll be happy with those around you, regardless of whether they’re friends and family, colleagues or customers. This will translate to more meaning in your life and work.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

One of QNET’s core values is service, and that has much to do with Gandhi’s teachings. Essentially, the great man believed that when you live to serve others, you get to appreciate the love you have within and understand the kind of person you are. That’s exactly why we at QNET are focused on empowering communities, advocating sustainability, building teams and helping individuals realise their dreams.

The future depends on what you do today.

As an entrepreneur, you can’t afford to be complacent. After all, time is precious, and your future goals and targets are determined by your actions right now. Yes, no one can control nor predict how things will eventually turn out, especially in this age of rapid technological change. Nevertheless, Gandhi teaches us that doing right by ourselves and those around us in the here and now ensures a more fulfilling tomorrow. Incidentally, our QNETPRO initiative, which emphasises ethical and professional conduct, was introduced with this principle in mind.

It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that’s important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there will be any fruit. But that doesn’t mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action, but if you do nothing, there will be no result.

Doing the right thing leaves no room for doubt and worry. If you know you’ve done right by your team and yourself, in work and in life, then you’ve done all you can. The rest will follow. This is why we’ve created QNETPRO – to ensure that we, as a worldwide business community, make a collective effort to act honestly and conduct the business professionally. 

Nobody can hurt me without my permission.

Have you ever been mocked for your commitment to your QNET business? Despite massive successes, direct selling and direct sellers continue to be vilified by those who don’t properly understand what we do. Strive to never allow insults, slurs and hurtful comments to bring you down and/or stand in the way of your dreams. Instead, keep looking forward, stay positive, and shut out the haters. Remember, you’re the captain of your destiny and that it always pays to be the bigger person.

Never regret being the bigger person. In the midst of naysayers, negative energy and fear, be secure in your love. This conveniently brings us to our next quote:

Where there is love, there is life.

Love makes the world go round, and in business, it can drive entrepreneurs to achieve great things. Make no mistake, all of us are motivated by different things. And it’s true that every entrepreneur’s story is different. But as Gandhi often repeated, it is love — for what we do and the people we work with and for — that will take us far. Indeed, it is the belief in love conquering all that spurred our founders, even in periods of tension and uncertainty, to soldier on and take QNET forward.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

Forgive those who looked down on you, who rejected you or attacked you. Living with hate in your heart is living with a burden. It’s giving yourself poison, a heavy load which will ultimately tire you and leave you without solace, without peace. In the end, it’s a battle against no one else besides ourselves. Unchain yourself; let go of your burdens. 

There is more to life than increasing its speed.

Are you constantly focused on multiplying your profits? Are you frustrated that your business isn’t growing at a quick enough pace or that your sales team isn’t more driven? Remember, direct selling is a marathon, not a sprint. So, what’s more important is that entrepreneurs take time to build their businesses on sustainable foundations. Yes, there may be times when you need to pivot and charge ahead, especially in the face of unpredictable events. Nevertheless, patience and solid principles are guaranteed to always put you in good stead.

As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.

It’s been proven time and time again that when we cut out negativity, alter our thought processes and practise kindness and gratitude; we attract good energy as well as like-minded individuals with whom we can share experiences. Consider the QNET superstars you’ve been drawn to and inspired by. Is it merely their words that have moved you, or have you been inspired by the ways in which they choose to approach both challenges and success? Now, think about how you can change your own behaviour and attitude to not only inspire your team members and peers but to effect lasting and sustainable outcomes for your entire network. You could even start by smiling more and using more positive language. Remember, you hold the key to your happiness. No one else.

Yes, Mahatma Gandhi was one of a kind. But every one of us can learn to be more like him in our thoughts and actions.

This article was originally published 2 October 2019.