Love in Business

The very idea of ‘love’ in business seems a strange phenomenon to most people. We are led to believe running a successful company means being tougher than most people, more forceful and maybe a tad ruthless. In fact many business people will openly admit there’s no room for sentimentality, and of course there isn’t if this means any weaknesses and unrealistic attitudes and behaviour.

However lets’ rephrase the word ‘love’ to ‘kindness’ or even ‘caring’ which I’m sure anyone would agree is not unrealistic, idealistic, romantic, emotional or weak! Would the word ‘love’ seem less odd if changed to consideration, kindness and compassion? Could you contemplate these qualities as strength and not weakness? After exploring this concept most people would have a shift of awareness to some degree.

Love in the Workplace as Mandatory.

The truth is that LOVE tends to iron out any flaws in personalities. Of course issues and problems will occur in any business, because you are dealing with feelings and human beings, but when love is the core value, where strong mentors and leaders have integrity, you will find against all odds businesses seem to succeed.  Why do some business flourish in the worst of recessions? Quite simple really! When the environment and behaviour is based on honour and respect, the natural consequence is everyone feels appreciated, capable and ‘in love’ with their work.

18^th and 9^th Century Businesses

This type of ‘love’ existed and thrived amongst many of the 18^th and 19^th century Quaker businesses. You don’t have to be a Quaker to appreciate their values and principles. The truth is that the Quaker history provides us with excellent examples of first-class, wholesome business management. Decisions were made with a genuine love and caring for others, not only for their own family, but work also for the workforce.

One cannot imagine the thought of money being the biggest motivator; rather the aim was to create something tangible and worthwhile…a legacy that lived on. Quakers were barred from any official positions, however this never prevented the Quakers from being enterprising. Whole villages, houses, shops, schools and hospitals for their employees were built under the umbrella of social care in the community.

Financial Wealth

The by-product of this caring attitude was tremendous financial wealth, which was shared. Which proves a valid and important point. When certain values based on love are in place, abundance in all forms including money is the result. Therefore if you want your business or company to be successful, then you can never go far wrong with employing the Quaker 18^th and 19^th century principles. There is no doubt that Quaker businesses were centuries ahead of their time. Once the epitome of altruistic standards these flagships of industry were fine examples in the business world.

Unfortunately many of these same businesses have become diluted over time and bear no resemblance to the original principles of that period. There are still Quaker businesses and charities left today who still maintain their core beliefs and values, however just as many have lost their original mission statement. Many gave their power away and were then taken by force. Unconsciously people sense genuineness in all human beings. When devoid of genuine love people will know.

Love is Commercially Superior.

Love increases performance, creates a natural growth with profit. The time is now ripe for change. Too many businesses have become calculating and unloving, careless and reckless. Look at any banking system, which was once Quaker in origin, and make up your own mind. The philosophy has changed, massive profits dictate over wellbeing and integrity.

If you want to be part of that new caring revolution in business (you don’t have to be a Quaker) you will need to check if everyone has the necessary qualities needed to be part of your business. People are looking for integrity with trust. There is a huge shift of awareness happening, people now want values and trust again. Quakers rarely had anyone take advantage of their good nature, because they believed if you felt you would be robbed then you would be. Like has always attracted like!